Dreadlocks

The dreadlocks of the Rastafarians may seem unique, unclean, or most commonly known as a sign for smoking ganja but are truly representative of the Rastafarian religion. Like many religions the dreadlocks are part of a physical appearance to distinguish themselves from others. Physical characteristics, mostly shown on the head or face, have been used by religions for many years, each religion using them for similar reasons.

The first and most clear reason for the members of a certain religion to have a unique appearance is to distinguish themselves from other religions. The Rasta’s expression “was to contrast the kinky hair of black men with the straighter hair of whites.” Other religions, like Judaism, have “peyos,” or sideburn curls, to signify “Jewish Identification”(Rabbi Simmons). Another example seen in our class of a religious marking (that distinguishes Ethiopians) is to have a tattoo of a cross on the forehead to represent Christianity.

Another common reason for religious followers to grow hair or show a symbol of their faith is to prove the strength of their faith. The Rasta’s dreads, and more importantly the length of the dreads, serve as a “measure of wisdom, maturity, and knowledge in that it can indicate not only the Rasta's age, but also his time as a Rasta.” In accordance, the Jews grow “peyos long as a way of emphasizing the commitment”(Rabbi Simmons). Physical representation is a central way of showing commitment to a religion or group. The concept of physical representation can also be applied beyond religion to any social group of people with the same identity, such as a gang who gets tattoos in order to distinguish members from non-members.

With the concept of commitment, we must also remember that not all Jews have peyos and not all Rasta’s support dreadlocks. It is necessary to keep in mind that this way of showing commitment is not exclusive, and that specifically the Rasta’s teach that “it is not deemed necessary for, or equivalent to, true faith.” Other religions have the belief that spiritual representation through physicality that is not the only way to demonstrate true faith.

“It is taught that patience is the key to growing dreadlocks, a journey of the mind, soul and spirituality.” Lastly, a lesson drawn form an action, such as the pain of getting a tattoo or the patience of growing dreadlocks, is a reason a group or religion would show a unique appearance. The processes of gaining a certain physical appearance may also draw group members closer and contribute to stronger unity. The Rasta’s are not the only religion to be proud of their faith or to use physical appearance to enhance their religious experience.