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Why Do Jamaicans Wear
Green Yellow And Red?

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rastafari_indigenous_village_quotes_selassiWhy Do Jamaicans Wear Green Yellow and Red?

by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

If you’ve been to Jamaica, no matter the setting; bar, reggae show, or just walking around random places here and there, you will probably notice a common colour scheme; the vibrant hues of red, green, and gold (yellow) adorning clothing, flags, and even accessories.

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These colours aren't just a random fashion choice to us; they carry deep cultural significance rooted in our history, faith, and identity.

While you may certainly see these colours around on flags, I feel the need to clarify to non-Jamaicans that these aren’t the colours our national flag bears. You can read about our unique flag and the deep meaning behind its colours right here.

However, these colours are just as important to us. So let’s talk about them.

This iconic trio of colours was born from the Marcus Garvey Movement, which you may (or may not) know was a pivotal moment in our Jamaican history. Marcus Garvey, a man revered for his advocacy of unity and black empowerment, passionately championed the rights that advocated for unity and empowerment among black people.

Additionally, he prophesied about the rise of Haile Selassie, seen as the saviour in the then-emerging faith of Rastafari.

We are known for many things worldwide, Rastafarian culture being very high on the list. Rastafarianism is a meaningful part of our culture, and their colours are equally so.

For Rastafarians, these colours are more than just a visual thing; they are symbols of profound meaning and spirituality. Red symbolises the blood shed by not just our Jamaican ancestors who were slaves but African people as a whole who fought for our collective freedom.

It is a constant reminder of the great sacrifices that they made. It speaks to the resilience and strength of our people as a whole.

Gold represents the promise of a better future, often interpreted as the wealth of Ethiopia, the revered homeland for Rastafarians. It’s a metaphor for the riches that the British colonists took from our people. Less about the money, the focus is more so placed on us rising up and rebelling.

A great deal is owed to the Rastafari movement for Jamaica’s becoming a society that defied authority. It embodies hope, prosperity, and the longing for a brighter tomorrow amidst the hardships of the present.

Green, the colour of lush vegetation, signifies the beauty of Ethiopia, often referred to as Zion—the promised land and paradise for Rastafarians. It evokes a sense of reverence for nature and a deep connection to the homeland.

Yet, amidst the fervour of cultural expression, there remains a playful ambiguity surrounding these colours. Some debate their significance, noting their resemblance to the Ethiopian flag, albeit with subtle distinctions.

Nevertheless, the lion, symbolic of Ethiopian sovereignty and power, proudly accompanies these colours, serving as a unifying symbol for Rastafari adherents worldwide.

In our culture, these colours extend beyond their religious significance. So you will find these colours embedded in our society, as a part of our day-to-day lives. Parties are also a big part of our culture…so how do these colours tie in? It’s quite simple.

Reggae- the beat of Jamaica, is heavily influenced by the Rastafarian movement, so naturally, reggae has also adopted these colours as their own. And do you know what stemmed from reggae? Dancehall!

That is why if you were to google search Jamaican old-school dancehall outfits, you would be flooded with images of red, green and gold mesh marinas and outfits.

Even popular Reggae artists like Sizzla Kalonji, Capleton, and Damian "Jr Gong" Marley have become synonymous with these colours. They have been incorporating them into their performances as a tribute to their roots and the Rastafarian faith.

In essence, wearing red, green, and gold is more than just a fashion statement. It is a vibrant expression of resilience, and defiance - a beacon of hope, unity and justice for our people.

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Return to Rastafarians In Jamaican from Why Do Jamaicans Wear Green Yellow And Red?
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References & Sources For Why Do Jamaicans Wear Green Yellow And Red?

  1. Rastafari rally round Rasta Colors Red, gold, black and green. (2017) A Jamaica Experience. Available at: https://ajamaicaexperience.com/rastafari-rally-round-the-rasta-colors-red-gold-black-and-green/#:~:text=So%2C%20the%20Rasta%20Colors%20symbolized,Ights%2C%20identify%20the%20color%20red (Accessed: 02 March 2024).
  2. Reporter, T. (2011) Why green, yellow and red? The New Times. Available at: https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/55859/why-green-yellow-and-red (Accessed: 02 March 2024).
  3. says: E.M. (no date) Rasta culture in New York. Available at: https://eportfolios.macaulay.cuny.edu/rastafari/art/color/ (Accessed: 02 March 2024).
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