Haile Selassie's 131st Birthday: How Does World Remember Ethiopia's Last Emperor?
Haile Selassie's 131st Birthday: How Does World Remember Ethiopia's Last Emperor?
Sputnik Africa
On July 23, 2023, millions of people around the world commemorate the 131st birthday of Emperor Haile Selassie, the former ruler of Ethiopia and a revered... 23.07.2023, Sputnik Africa
Haile Selassie I was born under the name Tafari Makonnen on July 23, 1892 near Harar, Ethiopia. He was a descendant of the Solomonic dynasty, which claimed descent from Biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.Ras Tafari, or Prince Tafari, rose to power as regent of Ethiopia in 1916 after deposing his cousin Lij Yasu, who had converted to Islam and alienated the majority Christian population. Tafari eventually became Emperor of Ethiopia in 1930, taking his infant baptismal name Haile Selassie, which means "Power of the Trinity" in Amharic.Emperor Haile Selassie's LegacyHaile Selassie is widely regarded as a visionary leader who sought to modernize his country and promote its independence and dignity in the face of colonialism and aggression.The Ethiopian monarch introduced a number of political and social reforms in his country, including the first written constitution, the abolition of slavery, the expansion of education and health care, and the promotion of women's rights.He also played a key role in the creation of the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union), a regional body designed to promote cooperation and solidarity among African states.In addition, Haile Selassie was a founding member of the United Nations and an outspoken advocate for human rights and world peace.External and Internal ChallengesThe Ethiopian ruler faced many challenges and crises during his reign, such as the invasion of Fascist Italy in 1935, which he resisted with courage and eloquence. He appealed to the League of Nations for help, but was largely ignored by the Western powers.Haile Selassie spent five years in exile in England during the Italian occupation of Ethiopia until 1940, when he traveled to neighboring Sudan to help coordinate the anti-fascist struggle in Ethiopia during the so-called East African Campaign waged by the Allies in East Africa during World War II.The Emperor returned to his homeland in 1941 with the help of British forces.Haile Selassie also faced internal opposition from various ethnic groups, regional lords, and communist factions who resented his centralization of power and pro-Western stance. He was finally overthrown by a military coup in 1974, led by a military junta known as the Derg, amid widespread famine and social unrest.Death and BurialHe died under mysterious circumstances on August 27, 1975, while under house arrest at the Grand Palace in Addis Ababa. It's believed that the emperor was assassinated by the new authorities, although the Derg claimed that the imprisoned monarch died of "respiratory failure." Haile Selassie's bones were discovered under a concrete slab in his office in 1992, one year after the fall of the Derg and 17 years after his death. His remains were then kept in a church near the tomb of Menelik II, another former emperor of Ethiopia, until 2000.In 2000, he was finally given a public funeral organized by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and buried in the Holy Trinity Cathedral, where many other Ethiopian royals are buried.Haile Selassie's Birthday CelebrationThe birthday of the former Ethiopian Emperor is celebrated around the world by various groups and individuals who admire his legacy and achievements.His supporters also use the occasion to call for his recognition as a national hero and for his reburial in a more dignified place, with many of them believing that he deserves a mausoleum or monument befitting his stature.Is Haile Selassie a God?Rastafarians are followers of Rastafari or Rastafarianism, a religious and political movement that originated in Jamaica in the 1930s following the accession of Prince Ras Tafari (Haile Selassie) to the throne of Ethiopia. Rastafari combines Protestant Christianity, mysticism, and pan-African political consciousness.Rastafarians consider Haile Selassie to be the Messiah, or God incarnate, or Jah, who manifested in human form to free his people from oppression and fulfill biblical prophecies. They also believe that he will one day return to establish a righteous kingdom on earth.With an estimated 700,000 to 1,000,000 members worldwide, Rastafari communities can be found on almost every continent thanks to migration, and reggae music. The late Jamaican reggae superstar Bob Marley was one of the most influential practitioners of Rastafari.Some Rastafarians observe Haile Selassie's birthday by holding a binghi, a celebration that may include prayers, reggae music, dancing, drumming, chanting, and the sharing of food and cannabis, also known as marijuana.They also wear red, green, and gold clothing or accessories, which are the colors of the Ethiopian flag and symbolize their African identity and heritage. Some Rastafarians also travel to Ethiopia to visit the birthplace of Haile Selassie or other sites associated with him.One of the most memorable events in the history of Rastafari and Jamaica was the visit of Emperor Haile Selassie to the island on April 21, 1966. This date is now celebrated as Grounation Day, a holy day for Rastafarians. Haile Selassie was greeted by a huge crowd of over 100,000 Rastafarians and other Jamaicans who gathered at the Kingston airport to see the Ethiopian Emperor.
On July 23, 2023, millions of people around the world commemorate the 131st birthday of Emperor Haile Selassie, the former ruler of Ethiopia and a revered figure in modern African history and the Rastafarian religious movement.
Haile Selassie I was born under the name Tafari Makonnen on July 23, 1892 near Harar, Ethiopia. He was a descendant of the Solomonic dynasty, which claimed descent from Biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
Ras Tafari, or Prince Tafari, rose to power as regent of Ethiopia in 1916 after deposing his cousin Lij Yasu, who had converted to Islam and alienated the majority Christian population.
Tafari eventually became Emperor of Ethiopia in 1930, taking his infant baptismal name Haile Selassie, which means "Power of the Trinity" in Amharic.
Emperor Haile Selassie's Legacy
Haile Selassie is widely regarded as a visionary leader who sought to modernize his country and promote its independence and dignity in the face of colonialism and aggression.
The Ethiopian monarch introduced a number of political and social reforms in his country, including the first written constitution, the abolition of slavery, the expansion of education and health care, and the promotion of women's rights.
He also played a key role in the creation of the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union), a regional body designed to promote cooperation and solidarity among African states.
In addition, Haile Selassie was a founding member of the United Nations and an outspoken advocate for human rights and world peace.
External and Internal Challenges
The Ethiopian ruler faced many challenges and crises during his reign, such as the invasion of Fascist Italy in 1935, which he resisted with courage and eloquence. He appealed to the League of Nations for help, but was largely ignored by the Western powers.
Haile Selassie spent five years in exile in England during the Italian occupation of Ethiopia until 1940, when he traveled to neighboring Sudan to help coordinate the anti-fascist struggle in Ethiopia during the so-called East African Campaign waged by the Allies in East Africa during World War II.
The coffin of Ethiopia's last emperor, Haile Selassie, is carried 05 November 2000 during his funeral in Addis Ababa's Trinity cathedral more than 25 years after his death. Only a few thousand residents of the capital turned out to see the funeral procession and reburial of the "King of Kings".
The portrait of Ethiopia's last emperor, Haile Selassie, is held in front of his coffin 05 November 2000 during his funeral in Addis Ababa's trinity cathedral more than 25 years after his death.
Queen Elizabeth II, the first British monarch to visit Ethiopia, arrives with her host, Emperor Haile Selassie, for a State Banquet on the first day of her eight-day visit in Addis Ababa Feb. 1, 1965. Following is the Duke of Edinburgh.
Sudan President Gaafar al-Nimeiry (R) smiles in March 1973 in Addis Ababa during his official visit to Ethiopia. At his right, Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie (1891-1975). Nimeiry, who ruled Sudan from 1969 during 16 years, was ousted in April 1985 by a popular uprising.
President Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana chats with Emperor Haile Selassie as they enter Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 26, 1963, to sign the African Charter, agreed upon by the African heads of state during their conference, which began on May 22.
Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, center, and President Gamal Abdel Nasser of the United Arab republic, applaud a speech by President Habib Bourguiba of Tunisia, right, during the second day of the African summit conference in Addis Ababa on May 23, 1963. Seated next to the Emperor is a girl secretary.
A delegate takes a photo of the statue of the first chairperson of the Organisation of the African Unity, Haile Selassie, at the ongoing 32nd Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Summit at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, on February 11, 2019.
The coffin of Ethiopia's last emperor, Haile Selassie, is carried 05 November 2000 during his funeral in Addis Ababa's Trinity cathedral more than 25 years after his death. Only a few thousand residents of the capital turned out to see the funeral procession and reburial of the "King of Kings".
The portrait of Ethiopia's last emperor, Haile Selassie, is held in front of his coffin 05 November 2000 during his funeral in Addis Ababa's trinity cathedral more than 25 years after his death.
Queen Elizabeth II, the first British monarch to visit Ethiopia, arrives with her host, Emperor Haile Selassie, for a State Banquet on the first day of her eight-day visit in Addis Ababa Feb. 1, 1965. Following is the Duke of Edinburgh.
Sudan President Gaafar al-Nimeiry (R) smiles in March 1973 in Addis Ababa during his official visit to Ethiopia. At his right, Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie (1891-1975). Nimeiry, who ruled Sudan from 1969 during 16 years, was ousted in April 1985 by a popular uprising.
President Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana chats with Emperor Haile Selassie as they enter Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 26, 1963, to sign the African Charter, agreed upon by the African heads of state during their conference, which began on May 22.
Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, center, and President Gamal Abdel Nasser of the United Arab republic, applaud a speech by President Habib Bourguiba of Tunisia, right, during the second day of the African summit conference in Addis Ababa on May 23, 1963. Seated next to the Emperor is a girl secretary.
A delegate takes a photo of the statue of the first chairperson of the Organisation of the African Unity, Haile Selassie, at the ongoing 32nd Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Summit at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, on February 11, 2019.
The Emperor returned to his homeland in 1941 with the help of British forces.
Haile Selassie also faced internal opposition from various ethnic groups, regional lords, and communist factions who resented his centralization of power and pro-Western stance. He was finally overthrown by a military coup in 1974, led by a military junta known as the Derg, amid widespread famine and social unrest.
Death and Burial
He died under mysterious circumstances on August 27, 1975, while under house arrest at the Grand Palace in Addis Ababa. It's believed that the emperor was assassinated by the new authorities, although the Derg claimed that the imprisoned monarch died of "respiratory failure."
Haile Selassie's bones were discovered under a concrete slab in his office in 1992, one year after the fall of the Derg and 17 years after his death. His remains were then kept in a church near the tomb of Menelik II, another former emperor of Ethiopia, until 2000.
In 2000, he was finally given a public funeral organized by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and buried in the Holy Trinity Cathedral, where many other Ethiopian royals are buried.
Haile Selassie's Birthday Celebration
The birthday of the former Ethiopian Emperor is celebrated around the world by various groups and individuals who admire his legacy and achievements.
His supporters also use the occasion to call for his recognition as a national hero and for his reburial in a more dignified place, with many of them believing that he deserves a mausoleum or monument befitting his stature.
In Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean, where Haile Selassie is revered by Rastafarians, his birthday is celebrated as one of the holiest days of the year.
Is Haile Selassie a God?
Rastafarians are followers of Rastafari or Rastafarianism, a religious and political movement that originated in Jamaica in the 1930s following the accession of Prince Ras Tafari (Haile Selassie) to the throne of Ethiopia. Rastafari combines Protestant Christianity, mysticism, and pan-African political consciousness.
Rastafarians consider Haile Selassie to be the Messiah, or God incarnate, or Jah, who manifested in human form to free his people from oppression and fulfill biblical prophecies. They also believe that he will one day return to establish a righteous kingdom on earth.
With an estimated 700,000 to 1,000,000 members worldwide, Rastafari communities can be found on almost every continent thanks to migration, and reggae music. The late Jamaican reggae superstar Bob Marley was one of the most influential practitioners of Rastafari.
A Rastafarian plays drums during an early morning religious ceremony, with the face of Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie I, left, seen in Knysna, South Africa, Tuesday, May 10, 2016. Rastafarianism is an Abrahamic religion originating from Jamaica around 1930, with adherents believing former Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie I is their savior.
Mark Hunter, lead singer of the Ark Band, performs at an event organized by the nonprofit Rastafari Coalition marking the 91st anniversary of the coronation of the late Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. The coronation day event also included chanting, traditional nyabinghi drumming and the reading of psalms, which are the core of Rastafari holiday celebrations.
A Rastafari member wears two buttons depicting Haile Selassie I, the late Ethiopian emperor, while waiting for service to start at the Ras Freeman Foundation for the Unification of Rastafari tabernacle on Sunday, May 14, 2023, in Liberta, Antigua. Most of the Rastafari sects worship Selassie. This is rooted in Jamaican Black nationalist leader Marcus Garvey’s 1920s prediction that a “Black king shall be crowned” in Africa, ushering in a “day of deliverance.” When an Ethiopian prince named Ras Tafari, who took the name Haile Selassie I, became emperor in 1930, the descendants of slaves in Jamaica took it as proof that Garvey’s prophecy was being fulfilled.
A mural depicting (L to R) Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I, Jamaican Reggae legend Bob Marley and his seven sons is seen on the ground of his museum in Kingston on June 30, 2012. Jamaica will celebrate its 50th anniversary as an independent state on August 6, 2012.
Lael Tafari, right, a respected elder in Ohio’s Rastafari community, greets Rastafari adherent Ras Zack Scott, left, on the sidelines of an event organized by the Columbus, Ohio-based Rastafari Coalition marking the 91st anniversary of the coronation of the late Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio.
A Rastafarian plays drums during an early morning religious ceremony, with the face of Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie I, left, seen in Knysna, South Africa, Tuesday, May 10, 2016. Rastafarianism is an Abrahamic religion originating from Jamaica around 1930, with adherents believing former Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie I is their savior.
Mark Hunter, lead singer of the Ark Band, performs at an event organized by the nonprofit Rastafari Coalition marking the 91st anniversary of the coronation of the late Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. The coronation day event also included chanting, traditional nyabinghi drumming and the reading of psalms, which are the core of Rastafari holiday celebrations.
A Rastafari member wears two buttons depicting Haile Selassie I, the late Ethiopian emperor, while waiting for service to start at the Ras Freeman Foundation for the Unification of Rastafari tabernacle on Sunday, May 14, 2023, in Liberta, Antigua. Most of the Rastafari sects worship Selassie. This is rooted in Jamaican Black nationalist leader Marcus Garvey’s 1920s prediction that a “Black king shall be crowned” in Africa, ushering in a “day of deliverance.” When an Ethiopian prince named Ras Tafari, who took the name Haile Selassie I, became emperor in 1930, the descendants of slaves in Jamaica took it as proof that Garvey’s prophecy was being fulfilled.
A mural depicting (L to R) Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I, Jamaican Reggae legend Bob Marley and his seven sons is seen on the ground of his museum in Kingston on June 30, 2012. Jamaica will celebrate its 50th anniversary as an independent state on August 6, 2012.
Lael Tafari, right, a respected elder in Ohio’s Rastafari community, greets Rastafari adherent Ras Zack Scott, left, on the sidelines of an event organized by the Columbus, Ohio-based Rastafari Coalition marking the 91st anniversary of the coronation of the late Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio.
Some Rastafarians observe Haile Selassie's birthday by holding a binghi, a celebration that may include prayers, reggae music, dancing, drumming, chanting, and the sharing of food and cannabis, also known as marijuana.
They also wear red, green, and gold clothing or accessories, which are the colors of the Ethiopian flag and symbolize their African identity and heritage. Some Rastafarians also travel to Ethiopia to visit the birthplace of Haile Selassie or other sites associated with him.
One of the most memorable events in the history of Rastafari and Jamaica was the visit of Emperor Haile Selassie to the island on April 21, 1966. This date is now celebrated as Grounation Day, a holy day for Rastafarians. Haile Selassie was greeted by a huge crowd of over 100,000 Rastafarians and other Jamaicans who gathered at the Kingston airport to see the Ethiopian Emperor.
![The coffin of Ethiopia's last emperor, Haile Selassie, is carried 05 November 2000 during his funeral in Addis Ababa's Trinity cathedral more than 25 years after his death. Only a few thousand residents of the capital turned out to see the funeral procession and reburial of the "King of Kings". - Sputnik Africa](https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e7/07/17/1060717171_0:0:2048:1153_600x0_80_0_0_9d670fa692fe0564bf85b54935d0e53c.jpg "The coffin of Ethiopia's last emperor, Haile Selassie, is carried 05 November 2000 during his funeral in Addis Ababa's Trinity cathedral more than 25 years after his death. Only a few thousand residents of the capital turned out to see the funeral procession and reburial of the "King of Kings".")
