Dreadlocks, first popularized by the Rasfarian religion, are supposed to symbolize the mane of a lion. Rastas consider the lion a king and as you may know, they worship "Jah" (probably a derivision of "Yahweh" of "Jehova"). Emulating the lion's locks associates them with the king and is viewed as more than a hairstyle to a true rastafarian. It's a source of strength, much in the way Samson's locks were. FYI, Haile Salassie is regarded as their "messiah" and is also known as the "Lion of Judah".