One day we awoke and it seemed like everywhere we turned, there were men and women, children even, sporting dreadlocks. Wasn't this a God-forsaken attribute of the Rastafari Movement which began in Jamaica in the 30's? How is it then, that all over T&T, the Caribbean, North America and the United Kingdom, the hairstyle that brought with it reactions of insult back then, has become the hottest thing to do?
Ever walked into a barbershop here in T&T and taken a look at the men who are grooming people's hair? Most barbers these days are Rastas or should we say, they sport dreads. While the hairstyle in itself sits atop the heads of every Sally, Joe and Jane, the ethical appreciation for the Rastafari movement still remains stigmatised to a great degree.
Humility
The true Rastaman wears his dreads not to be a part of the trend but as a symbolism of the movement's ideals. He wears them confidently and untamed, unlike most of what we see in society these days. One look at a real Rastaman and you know what his stance is. His humility is often awe-inspiring and with his head held high, the real Rastafari believer will tell you that he never consumes food that will harm the body because the body is the temple and the temple is the church. While dreadlocks are closely associated with the Rastafari Movement, many say it is not exclusive to the Movement. As such, the hairstyle has certainly penetrated in various societies, even in the West.
Spiritualism
Rastas of the Rastafari Movement say that dreadlocks are supported by Leviticus 21:5: "They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in the flesh." Hence the high appreciation for the unkempt hairstyle. Ever heard that the length of a Rasta's locks is a measure of wisdom, maturity and knowledge, in that it can indicate not only the Rasta's age, but also his/her time as a Rasta? The time taken to grow the often matty dreadlocks that the Rastafari men and women sport is seen within the movement as a spiritual journey, with patience being the key during this journey, which incorporates the mind, soul and spiritualism. A real Rastaman will tell you that the way to form natural dreadlocks is to allow the hair to grow in its natural pattern, without cutting, combing or brushing, but simply washing with pure water.
Modern Rasta
Today, we see men and women alike at hair salons, twisting, interlocking and even dying their dreadlocks. It is a style more than anything else these days. Style or not though, its origin cannot be ignored. The people who started it should not be ignored.
Isn't it strange that those who've adopted the dreadlocks as a hairstyle nowadays, more than an attribute to a symbolic way of life, are given more respect at work places, in financial institutions and even in the church? It just goes to show how easily influenced the mind truly is when it comes to style and fashion, but how ignorant the mind can be when it comes to an observance and appreciation of a way of life.
