The Ital Diet: A Foundation of Natural Living
At the heart of the Rastafarian lifestyle lies the concept of livity, a harmonious connection to nature and a state of heightened spiritual energy. This is cultivated through adherence to the Ital diet, a vegetarian or vegan practice that emphasizes consuming natural, unprocessed, and wholesome foods. The term 'Ital' itself is a phonetic representation of 'vital,' symbolizing food that is pure, alive, and free from artificial additives. This dietary discipline is not merely a set of rules, but a spiritual commitment to treating the body as a temple, rejecting the unhealthy and unnatural customs of what Rastas refer to as 'Babylon'—the materialistic Western society. Foods grown naturally from the earth, and prepared with respect, are believed to nourish both the physical body and the spirit, increasing one's livity.
The Prohibition of Alcohol and its Connection to Grapes
One of the most fundamental tenets of the Ital diet is the strict prohibition of alcohol. Alcohol is viewed as a corrupting agent, a substance that lowers spiritual vibrations and dulls the mind, hindering one's connection to Jah (God). Given that wine is produced from fermented grapes, the fruit itself becomes symbolic of this forbidden, consciousness-altering substance. For many Rastas, the avoidance of grapes is a logical extension of their stance against alcohol. It is a way to remove the temptation and any association with a substance that they see as spiritually detrimental. While some Rastas might accept grape juice as a non-alcoholic substitute in certain ceremonies, the fruit's primary association with wine means it is generally and collectively avoided by many adherents, especially those who adhere to the strictest interpretations of Ital.
Biblical Interpretations and the Nazarite Vow
The Rastafari faith draws heavily from an Afrocentric interpretation of the Bible, particularly the Old Testament. Some Rastas, particularly those from more conservative Mansions like the Nyabinghi, incorporate the Nazarite vow into their way of life. This vow, described in the Book of Numbers, calls for a person to consecrate themselves to God by abstaining from all products of the grapevine, including grapes, raisins, and wine. By following this ancient biblical tradition, these Rastas affirm their commitment to a pure and consecrated life, reinforcing their decision to not eat grapes for both spiritual and historical reasons. This scriptural foundation adds another layer of religious significance to the dietary practice.
Beyond Grapes: The Avoidance of All Vining Foods
For an even more rigorous approach to Ital, some Rastas extend their dietary restrictions to include anything that grows on a vine. This interpretation, while not universally applied, is based on a deeper philosophical commitment to natural purity. The reasoning can be linked to the Nazarite vow or simply a personal conviction about avoiding anything that could be associated with corruption or processed food. The emphasis is on eating food that grows upright and directly from the earth, symbolizing a righteous and direct connection to creation. This broader restriction means that not only are grapes off the menu, but potentially other vining fruits and vegetables might be avoided by certain individuals or Mansions, though this is a less common and more personalized interpretation of the Ital principles.
Comparison of Ital Diet and a Standard Western Diet
| Feature | Ital Diet | Standard Western Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Core Philosophy | Spiritual purity, high livity, natural connection | Convenience, flavor, societal norms |
| Food Source | Natural, organic, locally grown (whenever possible) | Mass-produced, processed, packaged |
| Meat/Poultry | Excluded (strictly vegan/vegetarian) | Central component, often processed |
| Dairy | Excluded (plant-based alternatives preferred) | Common, processed milk and cheese |
| Salt/Sugar | Minimal or no use of refined salt/sugar | High intake of processed salt/sugar |
| Beverages | Herbal teas, natural juices, water; no alcohol | Sugary sodas, coffee, alcohol |
| Preparation | Natural ingredients, often raw or cooked in clay pots | Processed additives, preservatives, metal cookware |
Ital-Approved Foods and Restrictions
The Ital diet emphasizes fresh, natural, and unprocessed foods. Commonly consumed foods include tropical fruits, various vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and natural oils, seasoned with herbs and spices rather than refined salt.
Rastas generally avoid meat, poultry, dairy products, processed foods with artificial additives, refined salt and sugar, alcohol, and cigarettes. Some also have strict limitations regarding fish consumption.
For more information on Rastafarian customs, you can refer to the BBC's overview.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rastafari adherents often avoid grapes due to their association with alcohol, which is prohibited in the Ital diet as it is believed to lower spiritual consciousness. This practice is further supported by interpretations of the biblical Nazarite vow, which calls for abstention from all grape products. Some Rastas may also avoid other vining foods as part of a stricter adherence to natural purity. The avoidance of grapes is a reflection of the broader Ital lifestyle, a spiritual commitment to natural living, health, and alignment with Jah.
