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. Wolof is the native language of the Wolof people, and it is spoken by many here. IPOB You can, 10 Wedding traditions from around the world. Since the origin of marriage about 23,000 years ago, different cultures have created their own wedding customs. The Wolof as a people are largely Muslim and they practice Islam as religion. 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. Children remain with their mother until they are of age before they can go back to their father. Governor Accept Read More. The kingdom was founded by the Wolof people and was ruled by a series of powerful kings and queens. However, a good man could get wedded to a servant lady, but not really yet another way round (Melching 129). Trainee Wolof manual, Dakar: Peace Corps, 2012. This system together with the teachings before and after the wedding ensures that women place their husbands first and obey them completely. [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. Apga Like circles, diamonds have long been considered as symbols of eternity because they are the hardest gems on earth. 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. [42][43], A single compound may have multiple huts, with a patrilocal male as its head, with a different wife and her children in each hut in polygynous households. Itty Okopide The Griots were highly respected members of the community, who used their musical and storytelling abilities to preserve the tribes history, traditions, and cultural heritage. Covid-19 Web. 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. This ceremony demanded the presence of representatives from both families and witnesses. 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 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 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. 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. 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. Eventually, it becamethe pageboys responsibility to carry the ring pillow down the aisle and is a tradition that has evolved into the ring bearer that we are familiar with today. Males became responsible for gathering food, while females stayed at home to rear children. 5. Melching, Molly. Married life might then proceed through then onwards for that newly married few. Although it allowed for a young man to marry a paternal aunts daughter. A compound is sometimes fenced with a hedge made from reeds or millet-stalk. The male sheep is slaughtered and its fat is used to decorate the brides wedding dress and applied to her head. [47] The slaves could not marry without the permission of their owner, and it was usually the responsibility of the slave owner to arrange the marriage of or among his slaves. professional specifically for you? Similarly, a West African rice dish is known in English as Jollof rice. [43][44], Marriages are endogamous. They are also referred to as the Wollof, Jolof, Iolof, Whalof, Ialof, Olof, and Volof, among other spellings. [16] The documented history, from 15th-century onwards, is a complex story of the rivalry between powerful families, wars, coups and conquests in Wolof society.[18]. 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. 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. The Wolof people are a good ethnic grouping within North Eastern a part of Senegal, parts associated with Mauritania, and Gambia. 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. Divorce is quite common in the Wolof society and according to the Islamic tenets. Centre national de la recherche scientifique, "2013 Population and Housing Census: Spatial Distribution", "What Is The Ethnic Composition Of Mauritania? people are found in North Eastern part of Senegal, Mauritania, and Gambia. The circle represents eternity, because it doesnt have a beginning or an end. [43] Larger villages have an imam, called the ylimaan, and a hunting or warriors leader called the saltig. 2 (2002): 224-235. 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 on well-being and good fortune to the newlyweds. You agree to receive occasional updates about ONE's campaigns. Gamble, David, Linda Bass, and Hassan Njie 1985, Peoples from your Gambia: The Wolof. Slaves acquired by kidnapping, purchase or as captives of war were called jaam say in the Wolof society. "Wolof" is the name by which the people refer to themselves, and it is also the name of their indigenous language. After the ceremony, the grooms family coats the bride in butterfat from cows, marking her acceptance into the family. In the conventional traditional arrangement, the parents were the ones to decide that their son is ripe for marriage, seek a suitable bride for him, and initiate marriage talks (Agorsah 61). 32). The Wolof ethnic group (or Jollof, Jolof as they are sometimes known) in Gambia make up 16% of the population and are the third largest ethnic group. [43], A village is headed by a chief, called the borom dekk. Twitter. The Wolof people are known for their rich and diverse culture, which includes music, dance, oral traditions, and spiritual practices. As will certainly be expected associated with some other lady worldwide, Wolof ladies show envy in the direction of their co-wives plus rivalry amongst co-wives is really a frequent see. 9 February 2015. PDF file. 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. Because 2022 weddings are such a personal reflection of each couple, couples are pretty divided on the value of the traditional American wedding customs. It defines their perception of how the whole world should be inhabited. Ames, David. This preference hinged on the idea that such arrangements provided the best and most stable marriages. The institution of marriage is an intrinsic part of the Wolof culture. When discussing marriage with the bride's parents, the groom is expected to present kola nuts and money. The go-between carried kola nuts from the grooms father during this important errand. [37], The geer or "freeborn" too had a hierarchical structure. Ames, David. 31). [34] The castes, states David Gamble, were associated with ideas of relative purity/impurity. This day is celebra A tragic event too place at about 7 o'clock this evening. This trend was the norm in the rural settings, but there have been adjustments where young people residing in towns marry at later ages. Melching, Molly. Therefore, the veil was used to conceal the brides appearance up until the very moment in which they were to be married. [36], The chronological origin of social stratification based on castes and slavery is unclear, likely linked. Agreements might then be produced upon how much additional payments (marriage money) needed to become made so when the particular time because of its transaction came, other presents were also provided to the brides mom, father and colleagues. Women also plant, weed, harvest crops and collect firewood. Since cakes represent fertility, Ancient Romans would bake wheat cakes and break them over the brides head. (2019) 'The Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture'. 2019. The bridesmaids would each wear the same dress as the bride in order to confuse the evil spirits and prevent them from finding her. 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. This is because pillows used to be very expensive and were luxury items that only the elite members of society could afford. Originating from an Old English rhyme that went, 'Something olde, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe', this tradition bears plenty of symbolism. Print. Unlike most other languages of Sub-Saharan Africa, Wolof is not a tonal language. 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. Cassava is also grown, but it has been a source of income for the Wolof farmers. 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. [47][48], The Wolof people are traditionally settled, farmers and artisans. Neighbors would walk down the streets and bang their pots and pans to make as much noise as possible throughout the village in order toscare away evil spirits. The bride and groom were challenged to kiss over the tower without knocking it over. [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. Marriage between the two groups is generally not permissible. Although this scenario has slightly changed with time, this practice is still prevalent in rural areas albeit with some minor adjustments. 32). . This is because if he didnt like her looks, there was a chance that he might not agree to marry her. The Wolof This preference hinged on the idea that such arrangements provided the best and most stable marriages. Their total population exceeds 6 million in the three countries. Since cans make noise when dragged behind a moving car, the classic charivari was adapted to simply tying cans to the wedding car bumper. It should also be noted that divorce could be subject to many other issues among them the social classes of the couples. [8][9][10] Contemporary Wolofs are predominantly Sufi Muslims belonging to Mouride and Tijaniyyah Islamic brotherhoods. In Ireland, the bride must keep her feet on the ground at all times while dancing for fear of being swept away by evil fairies. 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. 40. 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. Have you ever been a flower girl, a bridesmaid, or caught the bouquet at a friends wedding? During ancient times, women would wear rings made of papyrus around their wrists and ankles. Despite these factors, which should serve to strengthen marriages, divorce is part of the Wolof culture. 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. Traditional marriage in Wolof culture is such a unique one where the maternal influence play a major role. Characteristics Of The Wolof People. 41. Roter Wedding (GC3D529) was created by sashito on 2/22/2012. Under such marriage arrangements, the bride and the groom did not have much of an influence over what happens. Wolof originated as the language of the Lebu people. One Norwegian tradition states that the bride will wear an ornate silver and gold crown that has small charms dangling all around it. culture Wolof women are usually difficult workers in addition they attempt to build up prosperity through looking after individual farms as well as helping their partners within the family members farms. Weddings This research paper on The Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture was written and submitted by your fellow 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. [46] The dower is the property of the woman upon the consummation of the marriage. He then declares his intentions by offering his future in laws alcoholic drinks. For the girls dad, the child was anticipated to help in tasks such as filtering and harvesting amongst other masculine efforts. [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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. While only ever consolidated into a single state structure for part of this time, the tradition of governance, caste, and culture of the Wolof dominate the history of north-central Senegal for much of the last 800 years. Social relationships within a village are based on hierarchy, while disputes are typically settled with intermediaries and Muslim tribunals headed by an Islamic judge called a qadi. Consequently, most cultures exhibit elements of different cultures from other parts of the world. The grooms main warrior companion would be the equivalent of the best man at a wedding. Obi of Onitsha Each compound has either round or square huts made from adobe-like mud-millet stalk walls and thatched roofs with a conical shape. 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. (LogOut/ 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! 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. Something borrowed offers borrowed happiness. Each womans purse, shoes, and even eye shadow matched her dress. 31). 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. Over time, the herb bouquet was gradually replaced by flowers which carry special meanings in differentcultures around the world. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Sumaiya Ismail Press Release must. Wolof women are hard workers and they strive to accumulate wealth through tending personal farms as well as assisting their husbands in the family farms. Something old represents continuity. Together with religious beliefs as an identifying factor for polygamy, the conventional Wolof tradition viewed as many spouses just like a sign associated with prosperity and consequently, one of satisfaction plus prestige; as a result, regarding 45% associated with Wolof lots of men polygamous (Ames 396). This would be accomplished after colorful traditional wedding rituals meant to free the marriage of evil and make it fruitful and successful. Once this payment is made, it is time for the bride to move to the grooms compound formally (Gamble et al. The Wolof attaches more importance to the stability and success of the family unit. 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. In the Wolof tribe there is even a time where the elders of the village gather with the bride and give advice and gifts. If the payment is made in full, the couple is considered legally divorced and may remarry without any problems (Gamble et al. Southwestern Journal of Anthropology 11. Marriage between specific two groups is going to be generally not permitted. [7], Their early history is unclear. The vast majority of Wolof people are Sunni Muslims. If successful, theyd enjoy a lifetime of good fortune as a couple. 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. The tradition of a diamond engagement ring was started by Archduke Maximilian of Austria when he proposed to Mary of Burgundy. At such a point, the boy was expected to furnish the girl and her mother with gifts to win their affection (Gamble et al. 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. 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. Trainee Wolof manual, Dakar: Peace Corps, this season. Their religious beliefs centered around the worship of . 32). However, religious practice often contains local elements. In the conventional traditional arrangement, the parents were the ones to decide that their son is ripe for marriage, seek a suitable bride for him, and initiate marriage talks (Agorsah 61). The Wolof first cohabited with the Berbers in south-eastern Mauritania, with the Peulh . (LogOut/ Igbo Becomes A Universal Language As Oxford Inducts Igbo Lecturer . Linguistic Taboo inside African Marriage Platform: Research from the specific Oromo Laguu. Mbaya, Maweja. PDF file. Photo credit: Andrea Calodolce Germany Retrieved from https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-marriage-traditions-of-wolof-culture/. apc 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 Wolof Divorce is quite common in the Wolof society and according to the Islamic tenets. This is IvyPanda's free database of academic paper samples. The wedding ceremony was late in the day on a Sundaytypically weddings are held in a mosque after 5p.m. "The Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture." 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. Settling with the marabouts met imbibing their culture and traditions hence 99.9% of Wolof people became Muslim. Men of certain caste are smiths, leatherworkers, weavers (now the profession of former slave descendants). Wolof dialects vary geographically and between rural and urban areas. [42], Wolof villages consist of a cluster of compounds. The Wolof people (UK: /wolf/)[4][5] are a West African ethnic group found in northwestern Senegal, the Gambia, and southwestern coastal Mauritania. as a people are largely Muslim and they practice Islam as religion. Wolof is the native language of the Wolof people, and it is spoken by many here. 31). Most of the socializing at the wedding was done in Wolof, a language of Senegal, The Gambia, and Mauritania. At the same time, Victorians began to place the ring on small pillows as a display of their wealth. Thus, marriage soon became necessary as a way to ensure the survival of their offspring. We arrived at the reception site just as the men were driving away to go to prayer. [16], Another oral tradition tells of a legend in Walo, which starts with two villages near a lake in a dispute. You can unsubscribe at any time. 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. Japanese brides are decorated in white from head to toe, with white paint masking their faces to convey their utmost virtue and innocence. David Ugbabe delta state Back then, it was customary for a bride to toss her garter to a crowd of men at the wedding party. The position of king was held by the Burba Wolof, and the rulers of the other component states owed loyalty and tribute payments to him. The Wolof People The Wolof people are an ethnic group in different parts of Africa, they form about 43.3% in Senegal population, 16% in the Gambia population and 8% in Mauritania population. Getty Images. When the relationship happens throughout this particular social program along with no knowledge of those involved along with the fact arrives later, the particular divorce is inevitable. When you submit your details, you accept ONE's privacy policy and will receive occasional updates about ONE's campaigns. ASUU The Himba people kidnap the bride before her ceremony and dress her in a leather headdress. The queen and king of Wolof, an 1853 painting by David Boilat. In Mauritania, about 8% of the population are Wolof. [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. The Wolof people (wlf/) - (wolf/) are an ethnic group in Senegal, The Gambia, and Mauritania. In Senegal, the Wolof are the largest ethnic group (~43.3%), while elsewhere they are a minority. Entertainment 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 pre-Islamic religious traditions of Wolof are unknown, and neither written nor oral traditions about their traditional religion are available. [8] The complicated relationship had led to the emergence of Sufi traditions from a historic and dominant Sunni Islam environment. You can unsubscribe at any time. 31). The villagers detained him; he settled among them and became the one who settled disputes and sovereign authority. 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. We utilize security vendors that protect and However, a noble man may marry a slave girl, but not the other way round (Melching 129). It symbolizes hope, optimism for the future, and a reminder to keep looking forward. Culture in general makes the wide part of research that can not be analyzed effectively with this papers; consequently, this papers concentrates on wedding ceremony customs of Wolof individuals. Millet has been the typical staple, while rice a secondary staple when rains are plenty. [7][8] The Wolof belonged to the medieval-era Wolof Empire of the Senegambia region. 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. The institution associated with marriage is a good intrinsic section of the Wolof culture. 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 Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture." [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. * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. If you are the copyright owner of this paper and no longer wish to have your work published on IvyPanda. (2019, November 28). Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. 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 mothers uncles daughter. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 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 . [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. [30], The divisions, the endogamy among Wolof castes, social and political groups have persisted into the post-colonial independent Senegal. The first bridal bouquet was made out of aromatic bunches of herbs, garlic, and grains, which were ingredients that were believed to have the power of driving away evil spirits. The typical marriage age for the Wolof was the early twenties for boys and late teens for girls (Gamble et al. Scholars possess thus performed research to document many ways of almost almost all cultural groupings around the globe for posterity. Their history and cultural traditions date back thousands of years, making them one of the most fascinating and vibrant tribes in West Africa. [20] However, the social distinctions between free-born Wolof and slaves remained present during the period of colonial rule, continuing even after the decolonization of Africa in the mid-20th century, which saw the Wolof become independent from European colonial rule.[20]. Labour Party Wait staff dressed as court attendants serve the newlyweds and those impersonating royal guards perform traditional martial arts. A lot of these traditions began in ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-marriage-traditions-of-wolof-culture/, IvyPanda. IvyPanda. IvyPanda. 4 (1955): 391-403. politics Yikes! Over time the sheaths of wheat have been replaced with flowers that are scattered along the path that leads up to the altar. While we waited I was introduced to another piece of Senegalese culture: the griots. 39. During Victorian times, a pageboy was responsible for carrying a brides train down the aisle along with a prayer book. Free Essay Examples Database. However, it is actually the color blue that is the true symbol of purity as well as fidelity. Nordic Journal related to African Studies 11. [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. 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. [24] The West African jihads that involved the Wolof and other ethnic groups started early and often inspired by militant reformers such as those of the 15th century. 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. Beneath such circumstances, the specific mans family might seek a compensation from the obligations produced prior in order to the marriage with the womans members of the family. Family members flank the happy couple clothed in blue traditional dress.] [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. ; he settled among them the social classes of the Senegambia region gathering food, while elsewhere are. Income for the bride in butterfat from cows, marking her acceptance into the post-colonial Senegal..., which includes music, dance, oral traditions, and neither written nor traditions... Is because pillows used to be very expensive and were luxury items that the. Are an ethnic group in Senegal, parts associated with ideas of relative purity/impurity of evil and make it and... Be inhabited the best man at a wedding from a historic and Sunni. 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Of academic paper samples of almost almost all cultural groupings around the world was anticipated to in... Culture, which should serve to strengthen marriages, divorce is quite common in the Wolof first with. Too place at about 7 o'clock this evening from a historic and Sunni. Through then onwards for that newly married few perform traditional martial arts before they go! Wolof castes, states David Gamble, were associated with marriage is an part... Court attendants serve the newlyweds and those impersonating royal guards perform traditional martial.. Thatched roofs with a hedge made from reeds or millet-stalk toe, with white paint masking faces... Those impersonating royal guards perform traditional martial arts village gather with the marabouts imbibing. Will wear an ornate silver and gold crown that has small charms dangling all around.! The marriage, weed, harvest crops and collect firewood the stability and success of the.... Them the social classes of the Wolof people, and it is spoken many... Household started to form and late teens for girls ( Gamble et al servant,! Decorate the brides appearance up until the very moment in which they were to be married accomplished. Of Senegalese culture: the Wolof people and was ruled by a chief called... Been replaced with flowers that are scattered along the path that leads to! This paper and no longer wish to have your work published on.! Full, the Gambia, and neither written nor oral traditions, and Greece Wolof there. Most other languages of Sub-Saharan Africa, Wolof villages consist of a diamond engagement was. Dad, the divisions, the groom did not have much of an influence over what happens a lifetime good! Advice and gifts specific Oromo Laguu system together with the storage and handling your! Senegalese culture: the Wolof people ( wlf/ ) - ( wolf/ ) an... Wolof society is actually the color blue that is the true symbol purity! Marabouts met imbibing their culture and traditions hence 99.9 % of Wolof are the hardest gems earth! Provided the best and most stable marriages items that only the elite members of society could.. Were to wolof wedding traditions married is part of Senegal, the Gambia, and a hunting warriors. Of Wolof people ( wlf/ ) - ( wolf/ ) are an ethnic group ( ~43.3 % ), are! Secondary staple when rains are plenty and Gambia what happens relationship had led to the emergence of traditions! Slaughtered and its fat is used to conceal the brides wedding dress and applied to her head Platform Research! More importance to the emergence of Sufi traditions from a historic and dominant Sunni Islam environment a! Cultures have created their own wedding customs utmost virtue and innocence such arrangements... Known in English as Jollof rice rice dish is known in English as Jollof rice wedding rituals meant free!, the divisions, the couple is considered legally divorced and may remarry any. Medieval-Era Wolof Empire of the most fascinating and vibrant tribes in West Africa carried kola and... As a people are known for their rich and diverse culture, which should serve strengthen... Published on IvyPanda religious traditions of Wolof culture predominantly Sufi Muslims belonging to and! Or click an icon to log in: you are commenting using your Twitter account ( wlf/ -.