Khaberni - The wave of displeasure that American singer Sabrina Carpenter sparked due to her comment on "ululation" still continues on social media, where a group of prominent content creators and influencers in the Arab world launched a wide-ranging "cultural solidarity campaign" in response, with some considering the American singer's comments as reflecting a misunderstanding of cultural diversity.
The singer had stopped her show at the Coachella festival to sarcastically ask if the sound she heard from one of the attendees was a type of mountain yodeling, expressing her dislike for it. Despite an attendee explaining that the sound represented a traditional Arab celebration, Carpenter continued her comment, likening the atmosphere to the noisy Burning Man festival.
Although Sabrina Carpenter issued a formal apology after the controversy she stirred about the Arab "ululation", affirming in a post on "X" that her remarks were the result of confusion and misunderstanding, and noting that she subsequently learned the meaning of "ululation" and welcomes all forms of interaction at her upcoming concerts. Regardless, social media platforms have turned into a celebration of this authentic folk heritage, in a message that activists considered as reflecting a commitment to identity and pride in the celebratory traditions that distinguish the Arab region from other global cultures.
Influencers on social media responded in a creative manner that combines criticism and fun. Celebrities posted synchronized videos in which they launched a loud "ululation" as a special dedication to Carpenter, aiming to educate her and the Western audience about "the aesthetics of this sound" which represents the pinnacle of joy in happy occasions, asserting that art should be a bridge for communication and understanding of others, not a platform for issuing hasty judgments on the cultures of nations.
Ululation, the distinctive sound that women emit in happy occasions, is one of the folk customs rooted in multiple cultures and is considered an expression of joy and happiness, used in weddings, the return of pilgrims, academic achievement celebrations, and sometimes even at funerals, especially when the deceased is young or a martyr.
Its Origin and Connotations
Ululation originates from the Arabic verb “zaghrid” which means to raise the voice collectively, and is known as “zaghareed”, called “zalghouta” or “zaghroota” in some countries, and in the Arab Gulf, it is known as ”ghatrifa” or “halhoola”. Some communities utter the word “Eeha” at the start of ululation, derived from the Syriac language, believed in ancient times to be used in religious rituals and worship to seek protection and mercy from the gods.
Ululation in India
Ululation is not confined to the Arab world only; it has also spread to India, where it is known as "jookar" in the state of West Bengal. Indians believe that ululation helps expel negative energy from the body and generate positive energy through tongue movement. Ululation is considered part of the cultural heritage that aims to improve mood and increase positive energy.
Even in Wars
In ancient times, specifically during the pre-Islamic era, it was believed that women accompanied men to the battlefield with ululations to inspire enthusiasm and courage in the hearts of the warriors, as ululation was heard along with the beating of drums and tambourines to boost morale. According to some accounts, Indian tribes used ululation in wars to intimidate enemies, considering it a powerful sound that instills terror.
In the present time, the joyful sound known as ululation is used throughout the Arab world, where women echo it in happy occasions such as weddings, individuals achieving high grades in exams, celebrating the return of expatriates, and sometimes even in funerals, especially in cases of martyrdom.
Ululation remains an expression of joy and a state of overwhelming happiness that is conveyed collectively, and it is also said to contribute to mood improvement and increased happiness.
