“Locks are a covenant with the Most High.”
In Rastafarian culture, dreadlocks are much more than a hairstyle — they are a profound spiritual commitment and a visible symbol of faith. Inspired by the Nazarite vow in the Bible (Numbers 6:5), Rastafarians grow their hair naturally, without cutting or combing, as a sign of their devotion to Jah (God) and their rejection of “Babylon” — the oppressive systems of the Western world.
The formation of dreadlocks represents a conscious break from societal norms that prize conformity, control, and vanity. Instead, Rastas let nature take its course, allowing their hair to lock and coil organically. Every strand becomes a testament to patience, endurance, and a refusal to bend to external pressures.
Locks also hold deep cultural power. They embody a return to African identity and pride, challenging the colonial mindset that once labeled African features as inferior. For many Rastas, growing dreadlocks is a radical act of self-love and political resistance. It’s a reminder that their roots — both literal and spiritual — are strong and sacred.
Beyond symbolism, dreadlocks carry a personal journey. Each stage of locking reflects different phases of growth: from the messy beginnings (known as the “baby locks” phase) to the long, matured ropes that flow like a lion’s mane. In fact, Rastas often draw comparisons between themselves and lions — a nod to the Lion of Judah, an important symbol in Rastafari representing strength, kingship, and the lineage of Haile Selassie I.
Today, while dreadlocks have been adopted by people from many backgrounds, for Rastafarians, the locks remain sacred. They are not a trend or aesthetic choice — they are a living covenant between the individual and the divine.
🦁 Symbolic Meanings of Dreadlocks 🦁
- Spiritual Strength: Commitment to Jah and righteous living
- African Pride: Celebration of Black identity and heritage
- Resistance: Defiance against Babylon and colonial systems
- Natural Living: Trusting the body and nature to move without interference
- Lion of Judah: Power, royalty, and spiritual authority
“Each lock is a prayer, a promise, and a declaration of freedom.”
Thinking about growing your own locks? Tell us what the journey means to you
