Grounation Day
April 21, Monday
History of the Celebration
Groundation Day was established to commemorate the 1966 meeting when Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia visited Jamaica. This visit became a symbol of an important spiritual and cultural event for Rastafarians. Many people in Jamaica and other countries saw it as a confirmation of their faith and dedication to Rastafari beliefs.
Significance of Groundation Day
This day has several key aspects:
- Recognition of the importance of Emperor Haile Selassie as a divine leader.
- Reflection of the deep spiritual meaning for Rastafarians.
- Support and strengthening of Rastafari culture and identity in Jamaica and abroad.
Events and Traditions
Groundation Day in Jamaica is celebrated with various events, such as:
- Music concerts and festivals, especially featuring reggae bands, as music is an integral part of Rastafari culture.
- Parades and marches dedicated to Rastafari traditions.
- Spiritual ceremonies and meditations participated by Rastafari believers.
- Discussions and lectures about the significance of Haile Selassie and his role in the history of Rastafarianism.
Impact on Society
This day not only supports the culture and religion of Rastafari but also contributes to promoting broader ideas of social justice, peace, and equality, which are essential components of Rastafari teachings. Groundation Day strengthens the connection between historical events and contemporary cultural movements in Jamaica.
For years afterward, Planno, who became a spiritual guru of Bob Marley, would give out enlarged photographs of himself with the Emperor on the steps of the aeroplane.
The great significance of this event in the development of the Rastafari religion is that, having been outcasts in society, its adherents gained a measure of respectability for the first time. With Rasta having become acceptable, reggae music became commercially viable, leading in turn to the further global spread of Rastafarianism.