The Foundation of the Ital Diet
The Rastafarian ital diet is more than a simple food preference; it is a holistic lifestyle that promotes natural living and spiritual vitality. The word "ital" is derived from the English word "vital" and signifies a way of eating that supports a person's life force or "livity". This involves consuming foods that are pure, unprocessed, and grown naturally. Adherents believe that the body is a temple and must be kept clean from anything artificial, dead, or chemical. While many aspects of the ital diet, such as avoiding meat, dairy, and processed goods, are widely known, the specific exclusion of grapes has a deeper, biblically-based origin.
The Nazarite Vow and Biblical Roots
The primary reason for the grape prohibition stems from the Rastafarian interpretation of the Nazirite vow found in the Old Testament, specifically the Book of Numbers. This vow outlines strict rules for individuals dedicating themselves to God, including abstaining from all products of the grapevine. The specific passage in Numbers 6:1-4 (KJV) states, "All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk." Many Rastafarians apply this scripture to their spiritual practice, viewing it as a path to a consecrated life and separation from worldly influences. Wine and alcohol, being products of the vine, are considered to have a "low vibration" and are strictly avoided, a contrast to the ceremonial use of cannabis which is considered a spiritual herb.
Upholding Natural Livity and Purity
Avoiding grapes aligns with the broader ital principles of natural and unprocessed food. Grapes are often linked to wine, a forbidden alcoholic drink, and abstaining from grapes entirely removes the risk of consuming alcohol, seen as a corrupting influence. The ital philosophy also rejects fermented foods. Some stricter interpretations avoid anything that grows on a vine to fully adhere to the biblical prohibition.
Comparing Grapes with Accepted Ital Fruits
The table below highlights the distinction Rastafarians make between prohibited vine products and other fruits accepted in the ital diet.
| Feature | Grapes (Generally Avoided) | Accepted Ital Fruits (e.g., Mango, Pineapple) |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Connection | Associated with the Nazirite vow and alcohol prohibition. | Supported by Genesis 1:29, which gives humans every plant yielding seed for food. |
| State of Consumption | Can be fermented into wine, a forbidden substance. | Eaten raw or made into natural juice, without fermentation. |
| Purity | Often grown with modern pesticides and chemicals, violating natural principles. | Preferred to be organic, locally grown, and free of chemical additives. |
| Spiritual Energy | Associated with low vibration and a corrupting influence. | Considered high vibration, providing "livity" and nourishing the spirit. |
| Processing | Potential for transformation into wine or other unnatural forms. | Consumed in their most natural, unaltered state. |
The Broader Context of Ital Restrictions
The grape prohibition is part of the wider ital lifestyle that emphasizes spiritual and physical purity. Other restrictions include avoiding pork and often shellfish and certain fish. The diet also encourages avoiding metal utensils in cooking and opting for natural salt and herbs, often using clay pots. This focus on a holistic, earth-centered diet ensures the body remains a clean vessel, a core belief of the faith. The ital diet supports self-sufficiency and mindful eating, reflecting the Rasta commitment to nature and separating from the commercialized "Babylon system". For more on the ital diet, refer to this Wikipedia article on Ital.
Conclusion: A Lifestyle of Purity and Devotion
The decision for Rastas to not eat grapes is deeply rooted in spiritual interpretation and a holistic lifestyle. It is a symbolic act of devotion, linked to the Nazirite vow and the rejection of alcohol, seen as spiritually detrimental. This prohibition also serves to avoid fermentation and align with ital principles of natural, unprocessed foods. Avoiding grapes demonstrates their commitment to natural livity, bodily purity, and rejection of worldly influences.
