Birthday of Haile Selassie
- What
- Birthday of Haile Selassie
- When
- 7/23/2021
- Where
- Rastafarian
The Birthday of Haile Selassie is one of the holiest days of the Rastafarian year. It is celebrated on July 23rd to commemorate the life of the last Ehtiopian emperor, Haile Selassie. On this day those who practice the Rastafarian religion will participate in celebrations through Nyahbinghi drumming, hymns, and prayers. Born in 1892 Ras Tafari ruled Ethiopia from 1930 until 1974. Once crowned, Ras Tafari became the Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassi I, a name that means ‘Power of the Trinity’.
While in rule, Selassie skilfully guided his people in establishing a foothold in the world and helped build relationships with the West. In 1923 Selassie led Ethiopia into the League of Nations and soon became a beacon of hope for the younger generations.
The Rastafari movement emerged in the 1930s and was largely inspired by the vision of Marcus Garvey in which he believed that Haile Selassie was a divine being and the redeemer of the black people. For the more than a million Rastafarians worldwide, the anniversary of the birth of Haile Selassie is considered one of the most significant days of the Rasta year.