Unity, Love and Respect: Reflections from our team’s Rastafarian Christmas Lunch
To celebrate Rastafarian Christmas on 7th January, our team hosted a Christmas lunch in the office with colleagues encouraged to bring a dish and wear a colour representing their Tribe of Israel according to their birth month. One of the things we try to encourage at SurvivorsUK is for our team to bring their authentic selves, and this lunch organised by Winter (BAM ISVA) and Rochelle (Case Worker) was such a wonderful way to share some of their traditions with the rest of the team over some tasty food, music and warm conversation.
Here, our BAM Independent Sexual Violence Advisor, Winter, shares her reflections on what sharing her Rastarian faith with her colleagues over a Christmas lunch meant to her.
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A Reflective Celebration: Embracing My Rastafarian Faith and Sharing it with My Team
As someone who, like Rochelle, has been brought up in the Rastafarian faith, it’s always special when I get the opportunity to share a part of my culture with others. Recently, in my weekly “Did You Know” segment with the ISVA team, I took a moment to share a little about the Rastafarian faith—what it entails and the significance behind the spiritual practices that shape our lives.
For both Rochelle and me, growing up in the Rastafarian tradition has shaped our understanding of spirituality, community, and love for all. It was an honour to explain the beauty of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, a key part of the Rastafarian tradition. Each tribe represents a specific colour and body part of God, and I enjoyed seeing my colleagues engage with this topic, asking thoughtful questions about what it means for them personally.
Their interest was truly heartwarming, as it showcased a genuine curiosity to understand a belief system that might be different from their own.
A highlight of the conversation was when I mentioned that Rastafarian Christmas is celebrated on January 7th. From this, the idea of having a team celebration naturally grew. It was amazing to see how everyone embraced the idea of coming together in a spirit of unity and joy, sharing the traditions of my faith with an open heart.
On the day of our celebration, the office was filled with warmth. Soft reggae music played in the background, and everyone wore their Tribe colors. Bracelets were brought in and worn by all, symbolising our shared connection. We also celebrated with food, which brought even more joy and comfort to the space.
It wasn’t just about the rituals but about creating an environment where everyone felt included and celebrated, regardless of their background.
The celebration felt like a perfect embodiment of what I love about the Rastafarian faith: a focus on unity, love, and respect for all people. It was a truly joyful occasion, and I felt deeply thankful for my team’s enthusiasm and participation.
As I reflect on that day, I am reminded of how powerful it is to embrace different cultures and traditions, not just for the sake of education, but for the way it brings us closer as a community.
In the Rastafarian tradition, we say “Melkam Genna“—Merry Christmas—in the Ethiopian language, and I can’t think of a more fitting sentiment to express my gratitude for the unity and joy we shared.
This experience is one I’ll cherish, and I hope it serves as a reminder to all of us that celebrating diversity creates a more harmonious and enriched world for everyone.
Winter Thomas,
