A Dictionary of Patients' Spiritual & Cultural Values for Health Care ...

Rastafarian Movement*Started in the 1930’s in Jamaica*About 10% of Jamaicans are RastafarianBeliefsClothing andStyleOne God, Jah, is the former emperor of Ethiopia (Haile Selaissie I)incarnated. He is the messiah promised in the bible.Superiority of African civilization and cultureBeing all-natural and as close to nature as possibleLove and respect for all living thingsThe dream of returning to Africa (original home)Following of the Old TestamentSpiritual use of marijuanaOften red, yellow and green (colors of the Ethiopian flag)Often wear dreadlocks, either as a religious decision or a style decision.However, not all Rastafarians have dreadlocksMay not wash hair or body to be ‚all natural‛Buttons and pins with images of Haile Selaissie or the Lion of JudahMore conservative Rastafarians may wear robes and head scarvesKnit hatsDying and deathFacilitatingpracticesFoodLanguageDeathBodyRituals/CeremoniesLimited meat- no pork or shellfish (following of Old Testament restrictions)May avoid all meatMay be veganMay avoid alcoholCaribbean food is popular, especially healthy fruits and vegetablesMay only want to eat natural foods, called ‚I-tal‛ foods in JamaicaJamaican Patois, the Jamaican Creole, may be hard to understand becauseof the patient’s accent and idioms. However, they can usually understandEnglish since the language is English-basedSome Rastafarians speak Amharic, the original language of Ethiopia.However, this is not common and most speak English or Jamaican-English.Believe in everlasting life. As a result, they might be hesitant to prepare fordeath or talk about terminal illnessSince death is not real, they believe that Haile Selaissie I is still aliveThe body may be seen as a church. Therefore it is sacred and they may behesitant to put anything unnatural into it.May include discussion, singing, dancing, and marijuana use.Readings of the Old Testament34