Birthday of Haile Selassie
July 23, Wednesday
Who Was Haile Selassie?
Haile Selassie I, born Tafari Makonnen, was the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974. He played a key role in modernizing Ethiopia and was a prominent figure in the Pan-African movement. His leadership during the Italian invasion of Ethiopia in the 1930s and his appeal to the League of Nations made him an international symbol of resistance against oppression.
Significance in Rastafari
For followers of the Rastafari movement, Haile Selassie is considered the returned messiah of the Bible, God incarnate (referred to as Jah), and the rightful ruler of all African people. His coronation in 1930 was seen as the fulfillment of biblical prophecy, particularly in relation to the Book of Revelation and the lineage of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
How the Holiday Is Celebrated
The Birthday of Haile Selassie is celebrated with various cultural and religious activities, including:
- Prayer and meditation
- Nyabinghi drumming and chanting
- Reading of scriptures and speeches by Haile Selassie
- Community gatherings and feasts
- Educational events about African history and the life of Haile Selassie
Global Observance
While the holiday is most widely observed in Jamaica and Ethiopia, it is also celebrated by Rastafari communities around the world, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, and various Caribbean nations.
The Birthday of Haile Selassie serves not only as a religious observance but also as a day to reflect on African heritage, unity, and resistance to colonialism and oppression. It continues to inspire cultural pride and spiritual devotion among Rastafarians and others who honor his legacy.