Rasta Umbrella

The lion in Rasta imagery often refers to the “Lion of Judah” and carries several layers of symbolism:

• It represents the former Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I, whom many in the Rastafari movement regard as divine or a messianic figure.
• The lion also stands for strength, courage, kingship, African heritage and resistance to oppression.
• The Rasta colours — red, gold (yellow), green (and sometimes black) — each have symbolic meanings:
  • Red: the blood and sacrifice of Africans and the diaspora in the struggle for freedom.
  • Gold (yellow): the richness of Africa, hope and spiritual wealth.
  • Green: the land, vegetation, renewal, and the promise of a return to roots.
  • Black (when included): the colour of the people, identity and African heritage.

When the lion is depicted in these colours, it becomes a strong visual symbol of identity, resilience, pride in African heritage, spiritual connection, justice and the desire for liberation.