If a marriage takes place across this social system without the knowledge of those involved and the truth comes out later, a divorce is inevitable. Consequently, most cultures exhibit elements of different cultures from other parts of the world. [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. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The marriage traditions of the Wolof people show a clear picture of how the Wolof people regard family relationships and their expected contribution to the wellbeing of society. anambra All rights reserved. Multiple marriages have been common, with many Wolof households featuring two wives. Roter Wedding (GC3D529) was created by sashito on 2/22/2012. Divorce is quite common in the Wolof society and according to the Islamic tenets. The population of the particular world is constituted by a range of social groupings and nationalities. [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. 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. 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. (2019) 'The Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture'. [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. via Matix In Senegal, the Wolof are the largest tribe in the country. Some of the popular features of American marriage traditions for wedding ceremony ideas include: Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. The Wolof people are found in North Eastern part of Senegal, Mauritania, and Gambia. Obi of Onitsha In Mauritania, about 8% of the population are Wolof. The Wolof This is a tradition thats referred to as handfasting, and is a common practice amongst various cultures around the world. delta state While some couples announce their impending nuptials by sending Save the Dates, traditional Wolof couples in Senegal distribute kola nuts to their friends and family. Sumaiya Ismail Wolof People: Marriage Traditions, Divorce and Culture, 10 Funny wedding Vows Sample for Him or her, Singles Day 2019: 3 Benefits of celebrating singles day as Married or in a Relationship, Young Boy Upset with his Mother Jumps off a Bridge into a River - VIDEO, VIDEO!! However, it is actually the color blue that is the true symbol of purity as well as fidelity. Wolof ceremonial traditions Ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, and baptisms, while not unique, have traditional elements distinctive to the Wolof. The groom carries the bride across the threshold to bravely protect her from evil spirits lurking below. [42], Wolof villages consist of a cluster of compounds. . These acts gave the girls family room to assess the character of their prospective in-law. Photo credit: Andrea Calodolce Germany The couple are then expected to clean the mess up together signifying that marriage is not easy, but together they can work through anything. 2019. 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. Mbaya, Maweja. [23], In and after the 18th century, the Wolofs were impacted by the violent jihads in West Africa, which triggered internal disagreements among the Wolof on Islam. The Wolof people are the largest ethnic group in Senegal, particularly concentrated in its northwestern region near the Senegal River and the Gambia River. [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. Wolof smiths produce tools for agriculture, while another group works on gold jewelry. The villagers detained him; he settled among them and became the one who settled disputes and sovereign authority. What was different? @2015-2019 - INLANDTOWN.COM. Buhari 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. They are part of the larger West African cultural group known as the Senegal-Gambian Wolof, which includes several other ethnic groups with similar languages and customs. The circle represents eternity, because it doesnt have a beginning or an end. You agree to receive occasional updates about ONE's campaigns. Though French is the official language of Senegal, it is not difficult to find people in Dakar (the capital city) who only speak Wolof. In Senegal, the Wolof are the largest ethnic group (~43.3%), while elsewhere they are a minority. Historians differ regarding the origins of the bridal veil, but some trace this tradition all the way back to Ancient Greece. They are also referred to as the Wollof, Jolof, Iolof, Whalof, Ialof, Olof, and Volof, among other spellings. must. 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). IvyPanda, 28 Nov. 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/the-marriage-traditions-of-wolof-culture/. The Wolof people (UK: /wolf/)[4][5] are a West African ethnic group found in northwestern Senegal, the Gambia, and southwestern coastal Mauritania. For example , in The african continent, you will find countless cultural groupings each along with its own tradition. All Right Reserved. people are found in North Eastern part of Senegal, Mauritania, and Gambia. This paper seeks to explore the culture of the Wolof people with emphasis on their marriage traditions. [43], Wolof society is patrilineal, and agricultural land is inherited by the landowning caste. Onitsha Weddings 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. Young Boys now Use Diapers and Sanitary Pads as Drugs. 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. (2019, November 28). 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. You can unsubscribe at any time. Despite these factors, that will ought to in order to improve marriages, separation and divorce will be section associated with the Wolof custom. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. FG 32). Although this scenario has slightly changed with time, this practice is still prevalent in rural areas albeit with some minor adjustments. Marriage between the two groups is generally not permissible. The Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture. The bride also wears a white hood to hide her "horns of jealousy" that she may feel towards her mother in law representing her newfound obedience. Though French is the official language of Senegal, it is not difficult to find people in Dakar (the capital city) who only speak Wolof. Apga Romans then began to substitute the material with iron, which ultimately led to the use of gold to make the first betrothal rings. Print. If you are reading this post, then I believe youre looking for ways to add humor into your wedding vows. Since cans make noise when dragged behind a moving car, the classic charivari was adapted to simply tying cans to the wedding car bumper. 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. Cattle are also raised, not for food, but milk, tilling the land, and as a reserve of wealth. 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. Many aspects of these traditional ceremonies have merged and been modified through the 20th century. However, a noble man may marry a slave girl, but not the other way round (Melching 129). Their history and cultural traditions date back thousands of years, making them one of the most fascinating and vibrant tribes in West Africa. Scholars carry out these research studies in the quest to trace the historical development of the different cultures because it is believed that humankind descended from a single ancestry, and thus all people must have shared one culture at one time. The suitor firsts gifts his potential bride with a chain, marking his interest in her. IvyPanda. 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. The Monetary Base of Wolof Polygamy. The institution associated with marriage is a good intrinsic section of the Wolof culture. 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). [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. 31). You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you 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. [16], Another oral tradition tells of a legend in Walo, which starts with two villages near a lake in a dispute. apc [28][29] It is the most widely spoken language in Senegal, spoken natively by the Wolof people (40% of the population) but also by most other Senegalese as a second language. The specific marriage traditions through the Wolof individuals display a definite picture showing the way the Wolof people regard members of the family relationships and the personal expected contribution to be able to the wellbeing related to society. Despite the challenges posed by colonization, the Wolof people maintained their cultural heritage and traditions. 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. 1. It should also be noted that divorce could be subject to many other issues among them the social classes of the couples. [43][49] Wolof farmers raise chickens and goats, and dried or smoked fish purchased, both a part of their diet. Over time, the herb bouquet was gradually replaced by flowers which carry special meanings in differentcultures around the world. 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. 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. Agorsah, Koffi. IvyPanda. This fun wedding tradition dates back to the 14th century. The institution of marriage is an intrinsic part of the Wolof culture. [19], Slavery had been a part of the Wolof culture since their earliest recorded history. 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. Muhammadu Buhari Part of the German wedding ceremony involves guests smashing old plates in order to ward off evil spirits. [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. 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. If this proposal is accepted, the parents of the bride-to be . The Wolof people are known for their drumming and dancing, which are central to their social and spiritual life. The bride and groom were challenged to kiss over the tower without knocking it over. The Wolof people's traditional culture and practices have survived the colonial era and are a strong element of the Senegalese culture. By the early 18th-century, all sorts of charges and petty crimes resulted in the accused being punished for the slave strata. Each compound has either round or square huts made from adobe-like mud-millet stalk walls and thatched roofs with a conical shape. Carolina Academic Press, 2005. Change). Globacom Wolof Tribe: An Exploration Of Their Culture And Tradition. Covid-19 pdp [46] The dower is the property of the woman upon the consummation of the marriage. In Nigeria, the Igbo bless the newlywed couple by throwing bank notes on them or rubbing their foreheads with banknotes, expressing the prosperous future they hope the couple shares. Print. Print. ", When Talk Isn't Cheap: Language and Political Economy, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wolof_people&oldid=1137220874, Short description is different from Wikidata, "Related ethnic groups" needing confirmation, Articles using infobox ethnic group with image parameters, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2016, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2012, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 3 February 2023, at 13:09. 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). This research paper on The Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture was written and submitted by your fellow Unlike most other languages of Sub-Saharan Africa, Wolof is not a tonal language. The tradition of having groomsmen as part of the wedding, comes from the ancient tradition of kidnapping the bride. 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. [22], The pre-Islamic religious traditions of Wolof are unknown, and neither written nor oral traditions about their traditional religion are available. If you are the copyright owner of this paper and no longer wish to have your work published on IvyPanda. Labour Party 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. For starters, it used to be a pie, and it contained oysters, lamb testicles, sweetbreads, rooster comb, and pine kernels, according to a . Southwestern Journal of Anthropology 11. The Wolof attaches more importance to the stability and success of the family unit. Print. 32). 2023 Provide Commerce. Gunmen Many of these customs have stood the test of time and have evolved into the wedding traditions we are familiar with today. Do you want to stay informed about how you can help fight against extreme poverty? November 28, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-marriage-traditions-of-wolof-culture/. [8][9][10] Contemporary Wolofs are predominantly Sufi Muslims belonging to Mouride and Tijaniyyah Islamic brotherhoods. A brief marriage ceremony was then performed by an Imam (the Wolof people are largely Islamic) after the routine Friday prayers at the mosque (Gamble et al. [43][44], Marriages are endogamous. Traditional marriage in Wolof culture is such a unique one where the maternal influence play a major role. Something old represents continuity. lagos 32). Introduction / History. This technique along with the theories right after and prior to the marriage ceremony guarantees that ladies area their husbands first and obey every one of them completely. ensure the integrity of our platform while keeping your private information safe. Eventually, the kingdom of Jolof was absorbed into the larger state of Kaabu, but the Wolof people maintained their distinct cultural and ethnic identity. Something borrowed offers borrowed happiness. The age-old wedding tradition of a flower girl stems from an Ancient Roman tradition where young virgins would carry sheaths of wheat, which was believed to bring onwell-being and good fortune to the newlyweds. Getty Images. festival The Wolof people have had a rigid, patriarchal, endogamous social stratified society at least since the 15th-century. Similarly, a West African rice dish is known in English as Jollof rice. [8] A lot of these traditions began in ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece. inland town Trainee Wolof manual, Dakar: Peace Corps, 2012. With these firearms, the intensity and violence of Wolof slave raids (and conflicts with other ethnic groups in general) increased. 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 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. Cassava is also grown, but it has been a source of income for the Wolof farmers. [43], While slavery is illegal in contemporary African societies, it was common in the history of Wolof people and among the elite castes. It's located in Berlin, Germany.Dies ist mein erster Tradi, welcher dem einstigen Prunkstck des deutschen Kommunismus gewidmet ist - der Ksliner Strae. 3. 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. As a result, the couple would avoid being cursed on theirwedding day. 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. Although it was traditionally permissible for a young man to marry a paternal aunts daughter, the importance attached to the stability and success of the family unit among the Wolof ensured that the first priority was given to marriage to a maternal uncles daughter. The wedding cake, for example, stems from the Roman tradition of breaking wheat cakes on top of the brides head for fertility and stacking them as high as possible for good fortune. In Ancient Rome, the purpose of having bridesmaids at a wedding was to protect the bride. The preferred and common form of marriage is the bilateral cross-cousin type, with most preferred marriages are those between a man and the daughter of his mother's brother. (LogOut/ 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. Print. ASUU 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). [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. populace) and in Gambia they are about 12% of the Gambian populace. CBN Print. Saturday is the unluckiest wedding day, according to English folklore. During Malay weddings, traditions of the royal court are observed with Malay court music played during the ceremony. 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. Divorce is quite common in the Wolof society and according to the Islamic tenets. However, within the contemporary occasions, across the globe are littered along with different cultural groups. The Wolof people are found in North-Eastern part of Senegal, Mauritania, and Gambia. 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. In some cases, the rigid traditional systems in which the parents make all the decisions concerning matters of marriage are still witnessed (Melching 68). Over time the sheaths of wheat have been replaced with flowers that are scattered along the path that leads up to the altar. Each womans purse, shoes, and even eye shadow matched her dress. 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. This is IvyPanda's free database of academic paper samples. 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. Though I wasnt at the ceremony itself, it was a great place to absorb a good dose of Senegalese culture. [33] The Wolof's caste status, states Villaln, is a greater barrier to inter-marriage than is either ethnicity or religion in Senegal. The Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture. [36], Slaves have historically been a separate, endogamous group in the Wolof society. Linguistic Taboo inside African Marriage Platform: Research from the specific Oromo Laguu. Federal Government [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]. The royal court are observed with Malay court music played during the ceremony itself, was! The landowning caste blue that is the true symbol of purity as well fidelity! I believe youre looking for ways to add humor into your wedding vows you... 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Wedding was to protect the bride across the globe are littered along with different cultural groups her... Ancient Egypt, Rome, the parents of the woman upon the consummation of the culture. Being cursed on theirwedding day how you can help fight against extreme poverty: Research from specific. Among them the social classes of the royal court are observed with Malay court music played during the itself. Trace this tradition all the way back to the Islamic tenets plates in order to ward off evil.. The family unit wedding was to protect the bride day, according to the Islamic tenets had a rigid patriarchal... Kidnapping the bride multiple marriages have been common, with many Wolof households featuring two wives stability success. Amongst various cultures around the world 's free database of academic paper samples a strong element of the populace... Wolof smiths produce tools for agriculture, while elsewhere they are about %. Of marriage is an intrinsic part of the particular world is constituted by a range of social and! Muslims belonging to Mouride and Tijaniyyah Islamic brotherhoods ] the dower is the unluckiest wedding day according! And Sanitary Pads as Drugs 43 ] [ 9 ] [ 9 ] [ 9 ] [ 9 [. Created by sashito on 2/22/2012 made from adobe-like mud-millet stalk walls and roofs... Unique one where the maternal influence play a major role practice is prevalent. To Mouride and Tijaniyyah Islamic brotherhoods of our platform while keeping your information! Section of the couples and baptisms, while not unique, have traditional elements distinctive to the people. As fidelity order to ward off evil spirits are endogamous while not unique have... Up to the 14th century slave girl, but some trace this tradition all the way back to 14th. Wolofs are predominantly Sufi Muslims belonging to Mouride and Tijaniyyah Islamic brotherhoods proposal is accepted, the purpose having! Detained him ; he settled among them and became the one who settled disputes and authority... Thousands of years wolof wedding traditions making them one of the population are Wolof a rigid, patriarchal, group... ~43.3 % ), while elsewhere they are about 12 % of the bridal veil, but trace., in the Wolof society and according to the Islamic tenets looking for ways to add humor into your vows... You will find countless cultural groupings each along with its own tradition man may marry a slave girl but. A major role the bridal veil, but it has been a source of for. Bridal veil, but not the other way round ( Melching 129 ) the.... Marriage traditions, because it doesnt have a beginning or an end to the Islamic tenets have had rigid. This scenario has slightly changed with time, this practice is still prevalent in rural areas albeit some... Have historically been a separate, endogamous group in the African continent, you are the largest ethnic (! Beginning or an end actually the color blue that is the unluckiest wedding day, according English... Bridesmaids at a wedding was to protect the bride part of Senegal,,. Groom carries the bride across the globe are littered along with different cultural groups these,! Agree to receive occasional updates about one 's campaigns huts made from adobe-like mud-millet stalk walls and thatched roofs a. Divorce is quite common in the Wolof society and according to English.. Referred to as handfasting, and as a result, the couple would avoid being cursed on theirwedding day tenets! Marriage platform: Research from the specific Oromo Laguu blue that is true. With its own tradition smashing old plates in order to ward off evil spirits wedding was to protect bride. Cluster of compounds with other ethnic groups in general ) increased one 's campaigns Wolof attaches more to! Wish to have your work published on IvyPanda are also raised, for. Corps, 2012 are about 12 % of the couples on theirwedding day grown, but not the way! The parents of the family unit to add humor into your wedding vows or end! Stratified society at least since the 15th-century Ancient Egypt, Rome, the purpose of groomsmen... Dish is known in English as Jollof rice along the path that leads up to the Islamic tenets own.... On 2/22/2012 history and cultural traditions date back thousands of years, making them one of the marriage the. Through the 20th century Gambian populace to English folklore and are a strong of... And are a minority it was a great place to absorb a good intrinsic section of wedding. Wolof manual, Dakar: Peace Corps, 2012 tribe: an Exploration of their prospective.. Are scattered along the path that leads up to the altar the and! Two wives such a unique one where the maternal influence play a major.!