The beliefs of the Rastafarian are often misunderstood. To many, anyone who has locks (dreads), smokes ganja (weed), and plays Reggae music is a Rasta. There are much more than those three elements to being a Rasta. Rastafari is more than just a religion. It is a movement and a way of life.
I, Sakina, chose to paint this image of an elder Rastafarian as I reflected on the culture and how Ganja plays an important role in their beliefs. Ganja was important to highlight here as it can be compared to the use of brushing our teeth, doing your daily stretches, and/or daily affirmations.
For the Rastafarian, as depicted in this potential candle gift, it is their daily spiritual toothpaste. I set with a Rastafarian and he explained to me that the smoking of Ganja, for a Rasta, is a special experience. They use the Ganja to help enlighten their mind so they can correctly reason the ways of the world. The Ganja is always smoked in a ritual way. Before smoking the plant the Rasta will say a prayer to Jah (God). It is used for Nyabinghi. A Nyabinghi session is much different from casual marijuana smoking like seen on TV, and, outside of Rastafarian culture, most commonly seen by western people. In contrast, people in the west smoke marijuana for social and entertainment reasons.
Also, outside of Rastafarian culture, smoking weed is commonly accompanied with silly behaviors, laughing, and horse-play. This differs greatly from what takes place during a Nyabinghi. A Nyabinghi is taken very seriously. Acting silly would be considered disrespectful to a Rasta.
I chose the gray locks to reflect wisdom, as well as the aged face. I find a calmness in his eyes showing his relaxation as he reflects on life’s issues. He holds his ganja only with his lips as opposed to hands to show his experience in smoking, signifying his time in religious practice. Of note, I don’t like the term “dreadlocks” this term was formed post slavery by a Eurocentric culture, as the hairstyle was deemed by them dreadful. The hairstyle was worn by warriors in Kenya, and a Hairstyle of ancient Kemet and Nubia. The origin of the interlocking traces back to ancient Africa, originating in eastern Africa.
The Rastafarian candle is infused with top notes of lavender, eucalyptus, basil, bergamot, cannabis flower and gardenia; middle notes are: tobacco leaf, rhubarb, rosemary, black tea, and base notes of: patchouli, amber, vanilla, musk, palo santo, sandalwood and vetiver.
Do people really like the smell of marijuana, weed, ganja, cannabis? If you smoked and know the smell of ganja (weed) then it can be like smelling fine wine or a good scotch. Marijuana comes in hundreds of strains which have a wide range of aromas from skunky, to spicy, lemony, fruit (oranges, berries, cherries, watermelon) to a hint of diesel (not my favorite). Think of this candle as an introduction to the 420 Candle Edition of the Macallan 1926 Scotch. It is exquisite and fine. A true ganja lover’s dream!
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