Idren

Meaning

Fellow members of the Rastafari community regarded as spiritual kin; brethren bound together by shared faith and consciousness rather than by blood.

Examples

• “Mi a link up wid di Idren later fi reason.”

  I am meeting up with the brethren later to reason.

  'reason' means to discuss deep or spiritual matters; 'a link up' is continuous.

• “All di Idren dem gather fi di Nyabinghi.”

  All the brethren gathered for the Nyabinghi.

  'dem' pluralises; Nyabinghi is a Rasta drumming ceremony.

• “Give thanks to mi Idren fi di guidance.”

  Give thanks to my brethren for the guidance.

  'give thanks' is a common Rasta expression of gratitude.

Origin

A Rastafari 'Iyaric' reformation of English 'brethren', replacing the opening sound with 'I' to reflect the divine 'I' central to Rasta speech and unity of self with the Most High.

How it's used

Belongs to Rastafari livity and conscious circles. Can refer to one person or the group collectively. Outsiders using it casually may sound performative.

Related words

• Empress
• Bredren