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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Rastafarians
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(commonly known as Rastas) West Indian cult which began in the 1930s and has a number of followers in Britain, noticeable by their long matted or tightly curled hair, often offset by brightly coloured woollen hats. The sect is named after Ras Tafari (1892–1975), better known as the Ethiopian emperor *Haile Selassie; Rastafarians believe that he is divine and that he will bring to Zion in Africa the chosen people (all black but including the great figures of scripture, from Adam to Jesus). The smoking of marijuana is part of the cult, and reggae is its music (above all as performed by the best-known Rasta of all, Bob Marley, 1945–81).
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