The Sufi leaders and marabouts exercise cultural and political influence amongst most Muslim communities, most notably the leader of the Muridiyya also called the Mouride brotherhood. In and after the 18th century, the Wolof were impacted by the violent jihads in West Africa, which triggered internal disagreements about Islam among the Wolof. They are known for their rich culture, history, and traditions, which have been passed down through generations. Southwestern Journal of Anthropology 11. Therefore, priority is first given to marriage to a maternal uncles daughter. The Wolof as a people are largely Muslim and they practice Islam as religion. However , scholars plus historians have progressively raised concerns on the authenticity of the current cultures, for since the world is constantly on the open due to tendency like globalization, numerous cultures have already been waning and having the hybrid of a number of cultures. This paper seeks to explore the culture of the Wolof people with emphasis on their marriage traditions. It's a Small size geocache, with difficulty of 1, terrain of 1.5. In Ancient Rome, the purpose of having bridesmaids at a wedding was to protect the bride. All Right Reserved. The oral traditions of the Wolof have legends that state them to have been adherents of Islam since the founding of their Kingdom of Jolof. Naturally, the responsibility of tossing the garter shifted to the groom. The Wolof people are found in North-Eastern part of Senegal, Mauritania, and Gambia. An intriguing aspect of these arrangements was that the intervention of diviners was sought to determine if the marriage was feasible before marriage actually took place (Gamble et al. [7], The Wolof people, like other West African ethnic groups, historically maintained a rigid, endogamous social stratification that included nobility, clerics, castes, and slaves. Under such marriage arrangements, the bride and the groom did not have much of an influence over what happens. The Wolof people are the largest ethnic grouping in Senegal (35% of the Senegalese populace) and in Gambia they are about 12% of the Gambian populace. They are to be found in fairly large numbers in the areas of Jokadu, Baddibu, Saloum and Niumi but the vast majority are to be found in Senegal. Print. This preference hinged on the idea that such arrangements provided the best and most stable marriages. (2019) 'The Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture'. It defines their perception of how the world should be inhabited. The term Wolof also refers to the Wolof language and to their states, cultures, and traditions. 28 November. [43][45] Dowery among the Wolof people is paid in the form of a brideprice. The Wolof culture is one of most affected cultures by Western influence in comparison to other cultures in the region (Diop 101). Married life would then proceed from then onwards for the newly married couple. [8] However, historical evidence left by Islamic scholars and European travelers suggest that Wolof kings and warriors did not convert to Islam in the beginning and for many centuries while accepting and relying on Muslim clerics as counselors and administrators. 31). In traditional Wolof wedding ceremonies in Senegal, the parents of the husband-to-be sends elders to the bride parents with money and kola nuts to ask for her hand in marriage. The Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture. With these firearms, the intensity and violence of Wolof slave raids (and conflicts with other ethnic groups in general) increased. After identifying the right girl, the father of a young would man would enlist the help of a third party to serve as a go-between. [7], Their early history is unclear. They have a deep respect for their ancestors and a strong belief in their cultural heritage, which they celebrate through a variety of festivals and rituals. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. [8], According to David Gamble, the pre-Islamic beliefs of Wolof may be reflected and absorbed in the Sufi beliefs about good and bad spirits (jinn), amulets, dances, and other rituals. Mbaya, Maweja. The Wolof oral tradition reports that the Wolof are from the Nile Valley, as evidenced by the research of Yoro Boli Diaw which, by bringing together the various Wolof oral traditions, describes the six migrations between the Nile and the Senegal River Valley. For the girls father, the young man was expected to assist in chores such as weeding and harvesting among other masculine endeavors. During the ceremony, a small payment consisting of kola nuts and money was made to the brides family, thus making the marriage legally binding (Gamble et al. The oral traditions of the Wolof have legends that state them to have been adherents of Islam since the founding of their Kingdom of Jolof. 9 February 2015. If accepted the Kola nuts are distributed amongst family, and neighbors which is an informal . During the Roman age, a common custom was to tie the bride and grooms hands together during the ceremony. Cassava is also grown, but it has been a source of income for the Wolof farmers. At such a point, the boy was expected to furnish the girl and her mother with gifts to win their affection (Gamble et al. Japanese brides are decorated in white from head to toe, with white paint masking their faces to convey their utmost virtue and innocence. This day is celebra A tragic event too place at about 7 o'clock this evening. Each piece is handcrafted by talented artisans in Dakar, Senegal. [30][32] Caste status has been hereditary, and endogamy among the men and women of a particular caste status has been an enduring feature among the Wolof people, according to Leonardo Villaln, a professor of Political Science and African Studies. [16], With the Arab conquests of West Africa in last centuries of the 1st millennium CE, one theory states that the Wolof people were forced to move into north and east Senegal where over time villages and towns developed into autonomous states such as Baol, Kayor, Saloum, Dimar, Walo, and Sine the overall ruling state being that of Jolof who came together voluntarily to form the Jolof Empire. 32). As the European demand for slaves increased during the 17th and 18th centuries, the era saw a corresponding increase in Wolof slave raids with the purpose of acquiring captives to transport to the coast. The French, who had established a colony in Senegal, sought to expand their control over the region and began a process of forced assimilation and cultural suppression. Most are located in the West African countries of Senegal and The Gambia. The chief has been the tribute (tax) collector and the interface between the kingdom officials and the villagers. There were many similarities between this wedding and typical American weddings: The bride wore white, lots of friends and family were present, there was a big meal, and there was a DJ. Cattle are also raised, not for food, but milk, tilling the land, and as a reserve of wealth. These acts gave the girls family room to assess the character of their prospective in-law. "Wolof" is the name by which the people refer to themselves, and it is also the name of their indigenous language. The Wolof are a large ethnic group with a population of several million. The go-betweens main duty was to find out the position of the girls family concerning the interest in their daughter (Gamble et al. It need to turn out to be noted which will separation and divorce might be subject material to some number associated with other problems amongst them the specific social classes linked to the couples. 31). While slavery is illegal in contemporary African societies, it was common in the history of Wolof people and among the elite castes. They also have a rich tradition of oral storytelling, which helps to preserve their history and cultural heritage.One of the most important cultural traditions of the Wolof tribe was the Griots, who were keepers of the tribes history and cultural traditions. Privacy Policy. InlandTown Though French is the official language of Senegal, it is not difficult to find people in Dakar (the capital city) who only speak Wolof. The Monetary Base of Wolof Polygamy. This specific observation implies that in home with numerous spouses, the individual takes the specific credit score for that particular prosperity which goes to any or all their own wives. Soon the idea spread across the country and was popularized in the retail industry to include wedding gifts for the couple. The typical farmers in a village pay rent (waref) to the landowner for the right to crop his land. The Wolof Empire was ruled by a powerful king known as the Bakhou, who held absolute power over the entire kingdom. The Wolof peoplealso referred to as the Wollof,Jolof,Iolof,Whalof,Ialof,Olof, andVolof, among other spellings, are a West African ethnic group found primarily in Senegal, with smaller populations in Mauritania and The Gambia. [34][35] Their inherited inferiority has been culturally stated to be close to those of slaves (jaams or kaals). However, religious practice often contains local elements. Anambra State Government (ANSG) 31). The couple are then expected to clean the mess up together signifying that marriage is not easy, but together they can work through anything. Print. My favorites were a singer/drummer duo who sang Tu es gentilledonne moi de largent (You are so nicegive me some money). The vast majority of Wolof people are Sunni Muslims. Accept Read More. Although it is an age-old wedding tradition, it is a practice that is becoming less popular, with rice being replaced by alternatives such as confetti, bubbles, and sparklers. 31). Part of the German wedding ceremony involves guests smashing old plates in order to ward off evil spirits. At the top were the royal rulers, below them were the regionally or locally dominant noble lineages who controlled territories and collected tribute, and below them were commoner freeborn called the baadoolo or "lacking power". President Muhammadu Buhari ensure the integrity of our platform while keeping your private information safe. We utilize security vendors that protect and While we waited I was introduced to another piece of Senegalese culture: the griots. 32). The symbolism of the color blue dates back to early Christianity, when the color was associated with the Virgin Mary, who is often depicted wearing a blue robe. Trainee Wolof manual, Dakar: Peace Corps, this season. This ceremony demanded the presence of representatives from both families and witnesses. The placement of the ring on the fourth finger came from the Egyptians who believed that it was the finger that contained the vein that connects to the heart. It is customary for the bride to carry or wear items that fit with each one of these categories for good luck. David Ugbabe This is IvyPanda's free database of academic paper samples. Over time the sheaths of wheat have been replaced with flowers that are scattered along the path that leads up to the altar. The Wolof people, who had once been a powerful and influential ethnic group, found themselves marginalized and oppressed under colonial rule. Although this scenario has slightly changed with time, this practice is still prevalent in rural areas albeit with some minor adjustments. [6][7] In the Gambia, about 16% of the population are Wolof. The Wolof attaches more importance to the stability and success of the family unit. The bridal party would then make its way to the grooms compound. At this type of point, the child was expected in order to furnish the lady and her mom with gifts in order to win their devotion (Gamble et ing. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The bride and groom were challenged to kiss over the tower without knocking it over. Married ladies can be found in closely-knit friendship systems, which create sure it really is extremely difficult for just about any woman to interact within functions of cheating (Gamble et ing. 2. The now-traditional wedding favor of five Jordan almonds symbolizes five wishes for the newlyweds of health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. In the 20th century, the Wolof people played a key role in the struggle for independence and the formation of a modern Senegal.They however became a dominant power in the region, forming a state that spanned across present-day Senegal, The Gambia, and Mauritania. Retrieved from https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-marriage-traditions-of-wolof-culture/. IPOB They are also referred to as the Wollof, Jolof, Iolof, Whalof, Ialof, Olof, and Volof, among other spellings. The origin of marriage dates back to 23,000 years ago when hunter-gatherers became farmers, and gender roles around the household started to form. After identifying the right girl, the father of a young would man would enlist the help of a 3rd party to function as a go-between. Nordic Journal related to African Studies 11. The Wolof people's traditional culture and practices have survived the colonial era and are a strong element of the Senegalese culture. A Zulu bride will change her outfit at least three different times to convey to her in laws her beauty in different styles and colors. Later politico-religious changes, such as those brought during the Wolof Empire era, introduced major changes in the social structure among the Wolofs and many other ethnic groups, including a shift to a patrilineal system. Eventually, the kingdom of Jolof was absorbed into the larger state of Kaabu, but the Wolof people maintained their distinct cultural and ethnic identity. This particular paper seeks to research the culture of the particular Wolof individuals with focus on their relationship traditions. [8] Ira Lapidus, a professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic History, states that the early-19th-century Senegambian fighters "swept through Senegambia burning villages, killing pagans and enslaving their enemies," and were responsible for the conversion of substantial numbers of Wolof to Islam. Entertainment "The Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture." Roter Wedding (GC3D529) was created by sashito on 2/22/2012. 39. [43], A village is headed by a chief, called the borom dekk. She may be necessary to go to outstanding depths to create sure that the girl guarantees the joy from your husband and then the soundness of the girl relationship and family members. [8][9][10] Contemporary Wolofs are predominantly Sufi Muslims belonging to Mouride and Tijaniyyah Islamic brotherhoods. Labour Party This declaration means that towards the Wolof people, children is a good important unit, which usually forms a foundation with regard to other social models into that the Wolof society is structured. Prior to the arrival of Europeans to regions inhabited by the Wolof, slaves there were either born into slavery or enslaved via purchase or capture in warfare. This trend was the norm in the rural settings, but there have been adjustments where young people residing in towns marry at later ages. In recent years, however, the expansion of peanut cultivation and an acceleration towards urbanization has motivated many of the Wolof to spread out into Cote d'Ivoire and Mali. Many aspects of these traditional ceremonies have merged and been modified through the 20th century. [43][44], Marriages are endogamous. The cultures of the different ethnic groupings have been a subject of research for a long time. Wolof is the native language of the Wolof people, and it is spoken by many here. apc [26], In the 20th century, Ahmadiyya and Methodist missionaries opened offices in contemporary Senegambia, but very few Wolof have become members of these.[27]. must. The population of the particular world is constituted by a range of social groupings and nationalities. [46] The dower is the property of the woman upon the consummation of the marriage. Getty Images. Variants are worn on a day-to-day with the whole shebang coming out on special occasions; the most important for the Wolof is the feast of Tabaski (the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice). Settling with the marabouts met imbibing their culture and traditions hence 99.9% of Wolof people became Muslim. A lot of these traditions began in ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece. This is because pillows used to be very expensive and were luxury items that only the elite members of society could afford. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. They manifest a highly conscious sense of ethnic identity and ethnic pride. lagos The go-betweens primary duty was in order to discover the placement of the girls family concerning the particular desire for their child (Gamble et ing. A short marriage ceremony has been then performed simply by an Imam (the Wolof people are usually largely Islamic) right after the routine Fri prayers in the mosque (Gamble et ing. peter obi [21] During the New Imperialism era, the Scramble for Africa saw the majority of African territory, including lands inhabited by the Wolof, fall under European colonial rule. Diop, Elhadji. Mbaya, Maweja. This trend was your norm within the countryside settings, but there has been adjustments where young adults residing in cities marry at later on ages. [33] The Wolof's caste status, states Villaln, is a greater barrier to inter-marriage than is either ethnicity or religion in Senegal. IvyPanda. The typical marriage age for the Wolof was the early twenties for boys and late teens for girls (Gamble et al. Although it allowed for a young man to marry a paternal aunts daughter. (LogOut/ student. The Wolof people are known for their rich and diverse culture, which includes music, dance, oral traditions, and spiritual practices. The Wolof people practice a rigid and endogamous marriage. Free Essay Examples Database. If a woman at some point feels that her marriage life is unbearable, she can go back to her kin and refuse to come back. Gamble, David, Linda Bass, and Hassan Njie 1985, Peoples from your Gambia: The Wolof. You can, 10 Wedding traditions from around the world. This assertion implies that to the Wolof people, a family is an important unit, which forms a building block for other social units into which the Wolof society is organized. This aspect causes one to want to know the kind of social environment in which this culture is practiced and why it would be subject to more Western influence than other cultures in the region. Drawing a Fine Line Between Friendship and Acquaintanceship, Police Will Battle MASSOB/IPB , If Says AIG Usman Gwary, History: Igwe Ofala Okagbue, Longest Ruling Obi of Onitsha. However, scholars and historians have increasingly raised concerns over the authenticity of todays cultures, for as the world continues to open up due to phenomena such as globalization, many cultures have been waning and becoming a hybrid of several cultures. The go-between carried kola nuts from the grooms father during this important errand. The queen and king of Wolof, an 1853 painting by David Boilat. Security The Wolof people are the largest ethnic grouping in Senegal as they form about 35% of the Senegalese populace and about 12% of the Gambian populace (Diop 112). The institution of marriage is an intrinsic part of the Wolof culture. The pre-Islamic religious traditions of Wolof are unknown, and neither written nor oral traditions about their traditional religion are available. Gunmen During the wedding ceremony, a small transaction comprising kola nut products and money was performed towards the brides family members, thus making the particular marriage legally joining (Gamble et ing. This will be accomplished right after colorful traditional wedding ceremony rituals meant in order to free wedding ceremony associated with evil create this fruitful and effective. 31). [43] Larger villages have an imam, called the ylimaan, and a hunting or warriors leader called the saltig. anambra citizens An intriguing aspect of these arrangements was that the intervention of diviners was sought to determine if the marriage was feasible before marriage actually took place (Gamble et al. Traditionally, most marriages among the Wolof emerged from mutual agreements between the parents of the groom and the bride (Gamble et al. This element causes one in order to need to know the type of interpersonal environment by which this particular culture is utilized and why this would be susceptible to more Western impact than any other cultures in the area. [25] The assaults of the 18th and 19th century jihads, states Lapidus, paved the way for massive conversions to Islam, yet not a nearly universal conversion. (LogOut/ In addition to religion as a causal factor for polygamy, the traditional Wolof culture considered many wives as a sign of wealth and consequently, a source of pride and prestige; consequently, about 45% of Wolof men are polygamous (Ames 396). When discussing marriage with the bride's parents, the groom is expected to present kola nuts and money. Need a custom Research Paper sample written from scratch by This has become a beloved tradition worldwide, as it symbolizes good luck and happiness for the newlyweds. The Economic Base of Wolof Polygamy. Southwestern Journal of Anthropology 11.4 (1955): 391-403. If you select 'Yes' we can let you know how you can make a difference. Their history and cultural traditions date back thousands of years, making them one of the most fascinating and vibrant tribes in West Africa. As would be expected of any other woman anywhere in the world, Wolof women show jealousy towards their co-wives and rivalry among co-wives is a common sight. Women also plant, weed, harvest crops and collect firewood. The Wolof people are an ethnic grouping in North Eastern part of Senegal, parts of Mauritania, and Gambia. "The Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture." Some clusters are random with no central plaza, and many are clustered around a plaza with a mosque in the center. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-marriage-traditions-of-wolof-culture/, IvyPanda. Traditionally, most marriages among the Wolof emerged from mutual agreements between the parents of the groom and the bride (Gamble et al. Thus, marriage soon became necessary as a way to ensure the survival of their offspring. Each compound has either round or square huts made from adobe-like mud-millet stalk walls and thatched roofs with a conical shape. Their religious beliefs centered around the worship of . Wolof ceremonial traditions Ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, and baptisms, while not unique, have traditional elements distinctive to the Wolof. She may be forced to go to great depths to ensure that she ensures the happiness of the husband and consequently the stability of her marriage and family. Religious and political functions have been the domain of men, while women typically keep the household, bring water from their sources such as wells or nearby rivers. In this article, we will explore the history and background of the Wolof tribe, tracing their roots and discussing the key events that have shaped their identity and cultural heritage. Linguistic Taboo inside African Marriage Platform: Research from the specific Oromo Laguu. This practice was founded on the idea that parents were more suited to choose what was best for their children due to the accumulated wisdom and experience (Mbaya 226). [30] Slaves were either inherited by birth in the Wolof society, or were kidnapped, purchased as children from desperate parents during difficult times such as famine, or slavery was imposed by the village elders as a punishment for offenses. The couple could not be released until the marriage was official. politics Though I wasnt at the ceremony itself, it was a great place to absorb a good dose of Senegalese culture. In the Gambia, they are a minority. Traditionally, on the morning following the brides first night, a blood stained cloth would be displayed to show that the bride was a virgin (Agorsah 80), which was a great source of pride that inspired praise-filled songs for the bride and her mother. The Jolof or Wolof Empire was a medieval West African state that ruled parts of Senegal and the Gambia from approximately 1350 to 1890. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. More and more, couples are opting to include specific cultural traditions on their wedding day, and 43% of couples say that they are including at least one or a few meaningful cultural . Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. [40][41], The Wolof are primarily rural (~75%), living in small villages. 32). The Wolof as a people are largely Muslim and they practice Islam as religion. Traditional marriage in Wolof culture is such a unique one where the maternal influence play a major role. 3. The tradition of having groomsmen as part of the wedding, comes from the ancient tradition of kidnapping the bride. 32). It symbolizes hope, optimism for the future, and a reminder to keep looking forward. November 28, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-marriage-traditions-of-wolof-culture/. Males became responsible for gathering food, while females stayed at home to rear children. [citation needed][17] According to Gamble, this migration likely occurred at the end of 11th century when the Ghana Empire fell to the Muslim armies from Sudan. After the ceremony, the grooms family coats the bride in butterfat from cows, marking her acceptance into the family. Some villages in contemporary times share agricultural machinery and sell the peanut harvest as a cooperative. Weve compiled a visual of 16 popular wedding traditions and their origins, so you can learn more about how these common customs came to be. Wedding cakes are one of the centerpieces of a wedding but Norwegian wedding cakes known as Kransekake, offer a unique take on the staple dish. Anambra state Press Release Pick and choose which ones you wish to see through at your very own wedding. IvyPanda. A compound is sometimes fenced with a hedge made from reeds or millet-stalk. Rural Wolof people eat beef rarely, typically as a part of a ceremonial feast. Print. You agree to receive occasional updates about ONE's campaigns. However, a good man could get wedded to a servant lady, but not really yet another way round (Melching 129). If the payment is made in full, the couple is considered legally divorced and may remarry without any problems (Gamble et al. All of these customs are expected at modern weddings, but these wedding traditions actually date back to ancient times. The bride parents consult with their daughter and together they consent to or reject this proposal. The Wolof are primarily engaged in the occupations . Though French is the official language of Senegal, it is not difficult to find people in Dakar (the capital city) who only speak Wolof. A cooperative largely Muslim and they practice Islam as religion 41 ], marriages are endogamous marriage the. 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