Coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I

The Coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia is a principal reason for the Rastafari Movement to celebrate with a Grounation or Bynghi – a special religious occasion to honour a great event.

Ras (Duke or Chief) Tafari Makonnen was born in Ejersa Goro in the province of Harar, Ethiopia on 23rd July 1892 and succeeded to the Ethiopian throne on 2nd November 1930, taking the name Emperor Haile Selassie I, with such hereditary titles as King of Kings, Lord of Lords and Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah.

It is from his name, Ras Tafari, that the religious movement stems as he is still seen as being the reincarnation of the Messiah and the Jah (Jehovah) whom they worship.

For many years Haile Selassie was the only ruling monarch of an independent African state and the only black ruler.

Haile Selassie I was deposed by a military coup in September 1974 and passed away on 27th August 1975, although the cause of his death is surrounded by controversy, as is the resting place of his remains.