The Journey to Mount Zion: Celebrating I&I on Rasta New Year
Inna di heart of Jamaica, there’s a day when di sun rises wid a different warmth, di air carries a deeper spirit, and di sound of Nyabinghi drums echo through di valleys and hills. This is no ordinary day, mi bredren and sistren; dis is di Rasta New Year, a time when di Rastafari community comes together fi celebrate life, unity, and di journey to Mount Zion.
As di first light of dawn breaks, Rastas from all corners of di island, and even from distant lands, begin dem gathering. Di air is filled wid di aroma of fresh herbs and di sound of reggae music, setting a serene and joyous atmosphere.
Di focal point of di celebration is a grand feast, known as di “I-tal Banquet”. I-tal, meaning natural and pure in Rasta lingo, is di dietary cornerstone of di Rastafari movement. Tables overflow wid all manner of natural foods: yams, sweet potatoes, ackee, callaloo, and a bounty of fresh fruits. Everything is prepared without salt, in keeping with di I-tal way of life.
As di day unfolds, elders share stories of di old days, tales of Haile Selassie I, and di significance of Mount Zion, seen as a symbol of peace, freedom, and redemption. Di younger ones listen keenly, absorbing di wisdom like di earth soaks up di rain.
Nyabinghi drumming sessions form di heartbeat of di celebration. Di drums, representing di heartbeats of di community, invite everyone to join in di rhythm. Dis isn’t just music; it’s a spiritual experience, a form of prayer, and a call to unity and strength.
As night falls, di gathering transforms into a vibrant display of colors and sounds. Torches light up di scene, casting a warm glow over everyone. The Rastas sing, dance, and chant down Babylon, reaffirming their commitment to love, truth, and natural living.
Di Rasta New Year isn’t just a day of celebration; it’s a reaffirmation of di Rasta way of life, a renewal of vows to live in harmony with nature and one another, and a time to remember di struggles and triumphs of di past.
As di night turns to dawn, and di first rays of di new sun touch di earth, there’s a feeling of rebirth, of new beginnings. Dis is more than just a holiday; it’s a spiritual journey, a reminder that no matter di challenges, di journey to Mount Zion continues, with love and unity as di guiding lights.
