Prior to traditional Wolof wedding ceremonies, the parents of the groom-to-be sends elders to the girl's parents with kola nuts and money to ask for . 32). Most are located in the West African countries of Senegal and The Gambia. Over time the sheaths of wheat have been replaced with flowers that are scattered along the path that leads up to the altar. (LogOut/ [8] [8] The complicated relationship had led to the emergence of Sufi traditions from a historic and dominant Sunni Islam environment. 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. "The Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture." Covid-19 This research paper on The Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture was written and submitted by your fellow In the Wolof tribe there is even a time where the elders of the village gather with the bride and give advice and gifts. However, religious practice often contains local elements. Twitter. Obi of Onitsha [38][39] However, according to Susan McIntosh, a professor of anthropology specializing in African societies, the emergence of caste systems in West African societies such as the Wolof, Mande, Malinke, Serer, and Soninke was likely older. Trainee Wolof manual, Dakar: Peace Corps, 2012. For instance, in Africa, there are hundreds of ethnic groupings each with its own culture. Since the colonial era, peanuts have been the primary cash crop. In the Middle Ages, newlyweds were made to undergo a rigorous test: spiced buns were piled between them, and the couple would have to do their best to kiss over the towering stackif they succeeded in locking lips, it was perceived as an omen of good fortune about their marriage. A lot of these traditions began in ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece. If you select 'Yes' we can let you know how you can make a difference. election [34] The castes, states David Gamble, were associated with ideas of relative purity/impurity. November 28, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-marriage-traditions-of-wolof-culture/. Print. At such a point, the boy was expected to furnish the girl and her mother with gifts to win their affection (Gamble et al. [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 go-between carried kola nuts from the particular grooms father throughout this important charge. However, it is actually the color blue that is the true symbol of purity as well as fidelity. 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). 32). In some cases, the rigid traditional systems in which the parents make all the decisions concerning matters of marriage are still witnessed (Melching 68). The bridesmaids would each wear the same dress as the bride in order to confuse the evil spirits and prevent them from finding her. According to David Gamble, the historical evidence suggests Wolofs used to live in large settlements priors to the jihad wars and slave raids. Inside a bid in order to explore the subject exhaustively, the papers poses three basic questions that this seeks to deal with. Governor Willie Obiano [43], A village is headed by a chief, called the borom dekk. Web. Free Essay Examples Database. Itty Okopide Males became responsible for gathering food, while females stayed at home to rear children. Gamble, David, Linda Salmon, and Hassan Njie 1985, Peoples of the Gambia: The Wolof. However, a good man could get wedded to a servant lady, but not really yet another way round (Melching 129). (2019, November 28). Fulaba released its Wolof jewelry collection this spring which includes 2 styles of earrings, a necklace, bracelet and 2 styles of rings. Cassava is also grown, but it has been a source of income for the Wolof farmers. Soon it became customary to stack these wheat cakes one on top of the another, as tall as they could go. 2023 Provide Commerce. Wolof is the native language of the Wolof people, and it is spoken by many here. It is widely believed that the color white represents purity. festival [20] Beginning in the 16th century, Portuguese slave traders started to purchase slaves from Senegambian ports to transport to their American colonies; these slaves frequently passed through Wolof lands before arriving at the coast. via Matix In Senegal, the Wolof are the largest tribe in the country. The tradition of a diamond engagement ring was started by Archduke Maximilian of Austria when he proposed to Mary of Burgundy. 4 (1955): 391-403. Women also plant, weed, harvest crops and collect firewood. Just in case a lady in some time seems that this girl relationship life will become unbearable, she might return in an attempt to the girl kin plus will certainly not return. Scholars possess thus performed research to document many ways of almost almost all cultural groupings around the globe for posterity. anambra citizens This favors the idea that such measures provided the best and most stable marriages. ASUU Marry me in Africa: African Foundations, Bloomington: AuthorHouse, 2012. [39] According to Victoria B. Coifman, a professor of Afro-American and African studies, historical evidence suggests that the Wolof people were a matrilineal society before the 14th-century. The Jolof or Wolof Empire was a medieval West African state that ruled parts of Senegal and the Gambia from approximately 1350 to 1890. Print. Griots are West African storytellers and musicians who tend to show up (uninvited) to big events like weddings to try to make some money. . [7], Their early history is unclear. 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. Although this scenario has slightly changed with time, this practice is still prevalent in rural areas albeit with some minor adjustments. Traditionally, most marriages among the Wolof emerged from mutual agreements between the parents of the groom and the bride (Gamble et al. delta state 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. InlandTown [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. 32). [8], Details of the pre-Islamic religious traditions of the Wolof are unknown, and their oral traditions state them to have been adherents of Islam since the founding king of Jolof. Igbo Becomes A Universal Language As Oxford Inducts Igbo Lecturer . Copyright 2023 - IvyPanda is operated by, Negatives Effects of Social Network Sites, Wolof Culture and Crisis of Masculinity in It, The Masculinity Crisis in the Wolof Communities and Changes in the Womens Status, White Wedding Traditions in American Culture, The Impact of Social Media on Food Culture (preferences) in America, The Effect of Polygamy on the Modern Society Essay, The Effects of Technology on Humans: Social Media, Arguments against Young Marriage and Their Rebuttal, Friends as They Are: In Search for a Soul Mate. Accept Read More. The Wolof are a large ethnic group with a population of several million. Although their root is obscure, the Wolof people are believed to have originated from Ghana Empire, which was one of the largest and most powerful empires in West Africa. "The Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture." During its heyday, the kingdom of Jolof was a center of trade, commerce, and culture, attracting merchants, travelers, and scholars from across West Africa.In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Wolof kingdom of Jolof came into conflict with the neighboring kingdom of Kaabu, leading to a series of wars and battles. The Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture. Traditionally, most marriages among the Wolof emerged from mutual agreements between the parents of the groom and the bride (Gamble et al. 32). Agorsah, Koffi. politics The Wolof people (wlf/) - (wolf/) are an ethnic group in Senegal, The Gambia, and Mauritania. Part of the German wedding ceremony involves guests smashing old plates in order to ward off evil spirits. Both have traditionally been hereditary castes. The bride and groom were challenged to kiss over the tower without knocking it over. A mysterious person arose from the lake to settle the dispute. The Wolof individuals are the biggest ethnic collection in Senegal because they form about 35% from the Senegalese people regarding 12% from the Gambian populace (Diop 112). Centre national de la recherche scientifique, "2013 Population and Housing Census: Spatial Distribution", "What Is The Ethnic Composition Of Mauritania? The Wolof people are an ethnic grouping in North Eastern part of Senegal, parts of Mauritania, and Gambia. 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. Most of the socializing at the wedding was done in Wolof, a language of Senegal, The Gambia, and Mauritania. By the end of the 15th century, the Wolof states of Jolof, Kayor, Baol, and Walo had become united in a federation with Jolof as the metropolitan power. The earliest documented mention of the Wolof is found in the records of 15th-century, Portuguese-financed Italian traveller Alvise Cadamosto, who mentioned well-established Islamic Wolof chiefs advised by Muslim counselors. [21], The transatlantic slave trade also led to the Wolof acquiring European firearms, which were commonly bartered for slaves at the West African coast. 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. In Senegal the Wolof form an ethnic plurality making up about 43.3% of the population. However, in the contemporary times, different parts of the world are littered with different cultural groupings. griot, Mande jeli or jali, Wolof gewel, West African troubadour-historian.The griot profession is hereditary and has long been a part of West African culture.The griots' role has traditionally been to preserve the genealogies, historical narratives, and oral traditions of their people; praise songs are also part of the griot's repertoire.Many griots play the kora, a long-necked harp lute . This is a tradition thats referred to as handfasting, and is a common practice amongst various cultures around the world. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Naturally, the responsibility of tossing the garter shifted to the groom. Wolof (/wlf/) is a language of Senegal, the Gambia, and Mauritania, and the native language of the Wolof people. Whether youre planning your wedding ceremony and reception, attending one soon, or just want to learn more about the history of marriage, youre sure to be surprised by how much these wedding traditions have changed since theyve originated! Certainly, your loved ones unit is generally a fundamental unit from your Wolof culture, in addition apart from being the foundation for community, this defines the particular financial status associated with the man. 32). Celebrations of love look different all over the world, so in honor of Valentines Day we looked at the incredible traditions of 10 different countries. Yikes! To form a stronger and stable family unit, the Wolof people believed that cross-cousin marriage (young man marrying a maternal uncle's daughter) was the best form of marriage - they are matrilineal in nature. The pre-Islamic religious traditions of Wolof are unknown, and neither written nor oral traditions about their traditional religion are available. Tal Tamari, an anthropological researcher at the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) in Paris, suggests that a corollary of the rising slavery system was the development and growth of a caste system among Wolofs by the 15th century, and other ethnic groups of Africa by about the 13th century. [33] The Wolof's caste status, states Villaln, is a greater barrier to inter-marriage than is either ethnicity or religion in Senegal. Since the origin of marriage about 23,000 years ago, different cultures have created their own wedding customs. "The Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture." 31). They manifest a highly conscious sense of ethnic identity and ethnic pride. Learn how your comment data is processed. The wedding party might then escape in order to the grooms substance. 2 (2002): 224-235. [8] However, historical evidence left by Islamic scholars and European travelers suggest that Wolof warriors and rulers did not initially convert to Islam, although accepting and relying on Muslim clerics as counselors and administrators. Cattle are also raised, not for food, but milk, tilling the land, and as a reserve of wealth. 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. The grooms main warrior companion would be the equivalent of the best man at a wedding. The queen and king of Wolof, an 1853 painting by David Boilat. Wait staff dressed as court attendants serve the newlyweds and those impersonating royal guards perform traditional martial arts. Need a custom Research Paper sample written from scratch by The tradition of having groomsmen as part of the wedding, comes from the ancient tradition of kidnapping the bride. 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. Its final demise at the hands of French colonial forces in the 1870s1890s also marks the beginning of the formation of Senegal as a unified state. November 28, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-marriage-traditions-of-wolof-culture/. lagos You agree to receive occasional updates about ONE's campaigns. Married life would then proceed from then onwards for the newly married couple. Weddings can be very elaborate, involving feasting and dancing for days within a community, they can be very simple, or they can even be performed in huge marriage ceremonies involving many different couples. The Wolof people are the largest ethnic group in Senegal, particularly concentrated in its northwestern region near the Senegal River and the Gambia River. 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. The bridal party would then make its way to the grooms compound. Rice and other grains have long been regarded as signs of prosperity and fertility. While we waited I was introduced to another piece of Senegalese culture: the griots. This practice started 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). Before a traditional Wolof wedding ceremony, parents of the groom to be sends the intended bride's elders Kola nuts and money to ask for her hand in marriage. 32). One Norwegian tradition states that the bride will wear an ornate silver and gold crown that has small charms dangling all around it. [16] Archeological artifacts have been discovered in Senegal and the Gambia, such as pre-historic pottery, the 8th-century stones, and 14th-century burial mounds, but, states Gamble, these provide no evidence that links them exclusively to the Wolof ethnic group. 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. Culture as a whole makes a wide area of study that cannot be examined effectively in this paper; therefore, this paper focuses on the marriage traditions of Wolof people. 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. [36], Slaves have historically been a separate, endogamous group in the Wolof society. However, within the contemporary occasions, across the globe are littered along with different cultural groups. The Wolof attaches more importance to the stability and success of the family unit. Linguistic Taboo in African Marriage Context: A Study of the Oromo Laguu. Nordic Journal of African Studies 11.2 (2002): 224-235. Polygamy is yet a normal trend one of the Wolof individuals because as currently noted, they are usually largely Islamic plus the Islamic religious beliefs permits polygamy (Ames 395). You want to personalized your v As the name implies singles day is a day set aside for young people to celebrate their youthfulness and independence. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Another important part of Wolof culture is their music, which is characterized by complex rhythms and intricate melodies. The Wolof people, who had once been a powerful and influential ethnic group, found themselves marginalized and oppressed under colonial rule. Wolof Tribe: An Exploration Of Their Culture And Tradition. If you are the copyright owner of this paper and no longer wish to have your work published on IvyPanda. 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. If the girls family accepted the particular kola nuts, that will was an indication that they given the groom authorization to court their own daughter. This will then prompt a meeting of her parents and her to accept or reject the proposal. Despite these factors, which should serve to strengthen marriages, divorce is part of the Wolof culture. Like the neighbouring languages Serer and Fula, it belongs to the Senegambian branch of the NigerCongo language family. Like circles, diamonds have long been considered as symbols of eternity because they are the hardest gems on earth. Each piece is handcrafted by talented artisans in Dakar, Senegal. Therefore, the veil was used to conceal the brides appearance up until the very moment in which they were to be married. MONDAY MUSINGS: CUTTING THROUGH THE NOISE. The Wolof people practice a rigid and endogamous marriage. PDF file. 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). [36], The chronological origin of social stratification based on castes and slavery is unclear, likely linked. Getty Images. The Wolof people are known for their rich and diverse culture, which includes music, dance, oral traditions, and spiritual practices. Scholars have thus carried out studies to document the ways of almost all cultural groupings across the world for posterity. Buhari In some cases, the rigid traditional systems in which the parents make all the decisions concerning matters of marriage are still witnessed (Melching 68). The Monetary Base of Wolof Polygamy. [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. What was different? [6] They refer to themselves as Wolof and speak the Wolof language, in the West Atlantic branch of the NigerCongo family of languages. Something borrowed offers borrowed happiness. Print. Once married, a newlywed couple would drink mead, an alcoholic beverage made of honey, a tradition that would take place during their first moon of marriage. Once an individual and woman get married to, it does not take particular main duty associated along with the woman to produce her husband happy. In the Gambia, they are a minority. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-marriage-traditions-of-wolof-culture/, IvyPanda. 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. Although this scenario has slightly changed with time, this practice is still prevalent in rural areas albeit with some minor adjustments. [30], The divisions, the endogamy among Wolof castes, social and political groups have persisted into the post-colonial independent Senegal. Mbaya, Maweja. The Wolof people are perhaps best known for the Kingdom of Jolof, which was one of the most powerful and influential states in West Africa from the 14th to the 19th century. 2019. Also known as a bridal registry, it was a way for the couple to choose their fine china and silver for their big day. 4. They migrated from the western regions of the kingdom and settled in the Senegal River Valley in the 11th century where they lived as farmers and herders. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. The Wolof culture any associated with most affected ethnicities by Western impact in comparison in order to other cultures within the region (Diop 101). Rural Wolof people eat beef rarely, typically as a part of a ceremonial feast. Family members flank the happy couple clothed in blue traditional dress.] Press Release President Muhammadu Buhari Though I wasnt at the ceremony itself, it was a great place to absorb a good dose of Senegalese culture. It contains thousands of paper examples on a wide variety of topics, all donated by helpful students. Wolof's independence can be seen in the succession of their first king or burba, the semi-legendary Ndiadiane N'diaye, traditionally placed in the 13th century CE but more likely to have been in the second half of the 14th century CE. 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. The circle represents eternity, because it doesnt have a beginning or an end. By signing you agree to ONE's privacy policy, including to the transfer of your information to ONE.org's servers in the United States. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Children remain with their mother until they are of age before they can go back to their father. (LogOut/ The cultures associated with the different cultural groupings have already been a topic of study for a long period. A group of griot drummers. 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. Under such circumstances, the mans family can seek a refund of the payments made before the marriage from the womans family. Wolof dialects vary geographically and between rural and urban areas. Have you ever been a flower girl, a bridesmaid, or caught the bouquet at a friends wedding? [11][30][31], The social strata have included a free category called geer, a castes category called nyeenyo or neeno, and a servile category of slaves called jaam. This preference hinged on the idea that such arrangements provided the best and most stable marriages. The Wolof as a people are largely Muslim and they practice Islam as religion. The wedding ceremony was late in the day on a Sundaytypically weddings are held in a mosque after 5p.m. [43][44], Marriages are endogamous. This paper seeks to explore the culture of the Wolof people with emphasis on their marriage traditions. 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. culture 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. All rights reserved. This fun wedding tradition dates back to the 14th century. Print. These acts offered the girls great room to evaluate the personality of the prospective in-law. Photo credit: Andrea Calodolce Germany The kingdom was founded by the Wolof people and was ruled by a series of powerful kings and queens. 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. However, a noble man may marry a slave girl, but not the other way round (Melching 129). This particular element makes family members the very essential dimensions within the particular economic wellness through the Wolof people. Here is a picture of a group of women in beautiful colorful dresses waiting. Ames, David. [43], Those Wolof people who are of artisan castes work on metal, weave and dye textiles, produce leather goods, make pottery and baskets, tailor clothes, produce thatch and perform such economic activity. The style of the Wolof jewelry collection is called kayor and was worn by Ngone Latir, the mother of the last king of Senegal. The custom of tiered cakes emerged from a game where the bride and groom attempted to kiss over an ever-higher cake without knocking it over. My favorites were a singer/drummer duo who sang Tu es gentilledonne moi de largent (You are so nicegive me some money). via The Gambia Experience In The Gambia, the traditional wedding ceremony is observed by . The term Wolof also refers to the Wolof language and to their states, cultures, and traditions. We arrived at the reception site just as the men were driving away to go to prayer. Privacy Policy. [7][11][12] The Wolof were close to the French colonial rulers, became integrated into the colonial administration, and have dominated the culture and economy of Senegal since the country's independence.[13]. Be married paper examples on a wide variety of topics, all donated by students... This practice is still prevalent in rural areas albeit with some minor adjustments necklace bracelet! As handfasting, and traditions ancient Egypt, Rome, and as a people are known for their rich diverse. Members flank the happy couple clothed in blue traditional dress. 1853 by. 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