(American singer Sabrina Carpenter)

The ululation goes viral and becomes a global trend after an American singer mocks it.

The wave of outrage sparked by American singer Sabrina Carpenter's comment about the ululation continues on social media. A group of prominent content creators and influencers in the Arab world launched a widespread "cultural solidarity campaign" in response. Some considered the American singer's remarks to reflect an ignorance of cultural diversity.

The singer had stopped her performance at the Coachella festival to sarcastically ask if the sound she heard from an audience member was a type of mountain yodeling, expressing her dislike for it. Despite an audience member explaining that the sound represents an Arab celebratory tradition, Carpenter continued her comment, comparing the atmosphere to the boisterous Burning Man festival.

American singer Sabrina Carpenter

Although Sabrina Carpenter issued a formal apology after the controversy she sparked regarding the Arabic ululation, asserting in a post on X that her remarks stemmed from confusion and misunderstanding, and noting that she later learned the meaning of the ululation and welcomed all forms of interaction at her upcoming concerts, social media platforms transformed into a space for celebrating this authentic folk tradition. 

Activists viewed this as a message reflecting a commitment to identity and pride in the celebratory traditions that distinguish the Arab region from other global cultures.

Social media influencers chose to respond creatively, blending criticism with humor. Celebrities posted simultaneous videos of themselves performing a resounding ululation as a special tribute to Carpenter, aiming to introduce her and Western audiences to the "beauty of this sound," which represents the pinnacle of joy at happy occasions. They emphasized that art should be a bridge for communication and understanding, not a platform for hasty judgments on other cultures.

The ululation, the distinctive sound women make at joyous occasions, is a popular custom rooted in many cultures. It expresses happiness and is used at weddings, the return of pilgrims, celebrations of academic excellence, and even sometimes at funerals, especially when the deceased is a young person or a martyr.

Its Origin and Meaning

The ululation comes from the Arabic verb "zaghrada," meaning to raise one's voice collectively. The plural is "zaghareed." In some countries, it is called "zaghrouta" or "zaghrouta," while in the Arabian Gulf, it is known as "ghatrafa" or "halhoula." Some communities also use the word "ayha" at the beginning of the ululation, a word derived from Syriac. In ancient times, it was believed that this word was used in religious rituals and worship to seek protection and mercy from the gods.

Ululation in India

Ululation is not limited to the Arab world; it has also spread to India, where it is known as "Gokar" in the state of Bengal in eastern India. Indians believe that ululation helps expel negative energy from the body and generate positive energy through the movement of the tongue. Ululation is considered part of the cultural heritage aimed at improving mood and increasing 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 stir enthusiasm and courage in the hearts of the warriors. Ululations were heard along with the beating of drums and tambourines to raise morale. According to some accounts, Indian tribes used ululations in wars to intimidate enemies, as it was considered a powerful and terrifying sound.

Currently, the joyful sound known as ululation is used throughout the Arab world, where women chant it at happy occasions such as weddings, when individuals receive high marks in their exams, to celebrate the return of expatriates, and sometimes at funerals, especially upon the martyrdom of someone. The ululation remains an expression of joy and a state of overwhelming happiness that is transmitted collectively, and it is also said to contribute to improving mood and increasing happiness.