Have you ever been a flower girl, a bridesmaid, or caught the bouquet at a friends wedding? Before the Wolof people became involved in goods and slave trading with the Portuguese merchants on the coast, they had a long tradition of established trading of goods and slaves with the Western Sudanese empires and with Imamate of Futa Toro and other ethnic groups in North Africa. Unlike most other languages of Sub-Saharan Africa, Wolof is not a tonal language. 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). 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. 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. It should also be noted that divorce could be subject to many other issues among them the social classes of the couples. Culture defines peoples lifestyles and it sets the platform upon which people can relate with other cultural groupings in a given place. The bride parents consult with their daughter and together they consent to or reject this proposal. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-marriage-traditions-of-wolof-culture/, IvyPanda. 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. In the Wolof tribe there is even a time where the elders of the village gather with the bride and give advice and gifts. 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. 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. Federal Government IvyPanda. Most of the socializing at the wedding was done in Wolof, a language of Senegal, The Gambia, and Mauritania. In the Gambia, they are a minority. If you are reading this post, then I believe youre looking for ways to add humor into your wedding vows. [40][41], The Wolof are primarily rural (~75%), living in small villages. Melching, Molly. The style of the Wolof jewelry collection is called kayor and was worn by Ngone Latir, the mother of the last king of Senegal. President Muhammadu Buhari Labour Party They are known for their rich culture, history, and traditions, which have been passed down through generations. [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. 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. Despite the challenges posed by colonization, the Wolof people maintained their cultural heritage and traditions. [14]) The spelling Jolof is also often used, but in particular reference to the Jolof Empire and Jolof Kingdom that existed in central Senegal from the 14th to the 19th centuries. 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). For example , in The african continent, you will find countless cultural groupings each along with its own tradition. Roter Wedding (GC3D529) was created by sashito on 2/22/2012. Traditional marriage in Wolof culture is such a unique one where the maternal influence play a major role. [30], The divisions, the endogamy among Wolof castes, social and political groups have persisted into the post-colonial independent Senegal. We waited several hours for the wedding party to return. This ceremony demanded the presence of representatives from both families and witnesses. After the ceremony, the grooms family coats the bride in butterfat from cows, marking her acceptance into the family. 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. This trend was the norm in the rural settings, but there have been adjustments where young people residing in towns marry at later ages. Like the neighbouring languages Serer and Fula, it belongs to the Senegambian branch of the NigerCongo language family. Print. The arrival of European colonizers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries had a profound impact on the Wolof people and their kingdom. Print. The Wolof people are a good ethnic grouping within North Eastern a part of Senegal, parts associated with Mauritania, and Gambia. [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. Each piece is handcrafted by talented artisans in Dakar, Senegal. However, religious practice often contains local elements. 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. [7][14] In English, Wollof and Woloff[4] are found, particularly in reference to the Gambian Wolof; for English-speakers, the spelling Wollof is closer to the native pronunciation of the name. This aspect makes family a very important dimension in the economic wellbeing of the Wolof people. The Jolof or Wolof Empire was a medieval West African state that ruled parts of Senegal and the Gambia from approximately 1350 to 1890. Once it had been made the decision that his personality was good, additional gifts will be offered towards the girls family members to seal the covenant that remaining the child because the sole suitor. This paper seeks to explore the culture of the Wolof people with emphasis on their marriage traditions. Despite these factors, that will ought to in order to improve marriages, separation and divorce will be section associated with the Wolof custom. In Ancient Rome, the purpose of having bridesmaids at a wedding was to protect the bride. Slaves acquired by kidnapping, purchase or as captives of war were called jaam say in the Wolof society. All rights reserved. [citation needed]. Wolof people are the largest ethnic grouping in Senegal (35% of the Senegalese Japan Japanese brides are decorated in white from head to toe, with white paint masking their faces to convey their utmost virtue and innocence. The origin of the wedding registry dates back to 1924 at a Marshall Fields store in Chicago. During Victorian times, a pageboy was responsible for carrying a brides train down the aisle along with a prayer book. Once this transaction is made, it will be time for that bride-to-be to move towards the grooms compound officially (Gamble et ing. [19], Slavery had been a part of the Wolof culture since their earliest recorded history. 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. Over time the sheaths of wheat have been replaced with flowers that are scattered along the path that leads up to the altar. [7], Their early history is unclear. Introduction / History. As a result, the couple would avoid being cursed on theirwedding day. The pre-Islamic religious traditions of Wolof are unknown, and neither written nor oral traditions about their traditional religion are available. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. anambra 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. You agree to receive occasional updates about ONE's campaigns. [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. 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. Cassava is also grown, but it has been a source of income for the Wolof farmers. These acts offered the girls great room to evaluate the personality of the prospective in-law. [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. The Wolof people have had a rigid, patriarchal, endogamous social stratified society at least since the 15th-century. [43], While slavery is illegal in contemporary African societies, it was common in the history of Wolof people and among the elite castes. Something old represents continuity. The population of the particular world is constituted by a range of social groupings and nationalities. Ames, David. [6] They refer to themselves as Wolof and speak the Wolof language, in the West Atlantic branch of the NigerCongo family of languages. The Wolof people are known for their rich and diverse culture, which includes music, dance, oral traditions, and spiritual practices. 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. Yikes! Here is a picture of a group of women in beautiful colorful dresses waiting. A compound traditionally operates a joint kitchen, but if there are internal disputes then each family unit cooks separately. Young Boys now Use Diapers and Sanitary Pads as Drugs. The tradition of having groomsmen as part of the wedding, comes from the ancient tradition of kidnapping the bride. This role belongs to a caste and has been hereditary. The Wolof people are found in North Eastern part of Senegal, Mauritania, and Gambia. Although it allowed for a young man to marry a paternal aunts daughter. [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. Entertainment * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. With these firearms, the intensity and violence of Wolof slave raids (and conflicts with other ethnic groups in general) increased. 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. 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. Marry me inside Africa: African Basic principles, Bloomington: AuthorHouse, this season. 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. Nordic Journal related to African Studies 11. This day is celebra A tragic event too place at about 7 o'clock this evening. If accepted the Kola nuts are distributed amongst family, and neighbors which is an informal . Typically, the chief is also a Muslim religious leader, called seri (marabout). [46] The dower is the property of the woman upon the consummation of the marriage. [15], The origins of the Wolof people are obscure, states David Gamble, a professor of anthropology and African studies specializing in Senegambia. Wolof ceremonial traditions Ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, and baptisms, while not unique, have traditional elements distinctive to the Wolof. 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. The traditional wedding cake also had a strange beginning. The Wolof people are an ethnic grouping in North Eastern part of Senegal, parts of Mauritania, and Gambia. Anambra State Government (ANSG) During this time, the Wolof people gather together to dance, sing, and honor their ancestors. The Wolof culture is one of most affected cultures by Western influence in comparison to other cultures in the region (Diop 101). [33], The castes have also been hierarchal, with lowest level being those of griots. Ndnk-ndnk: An introduction to Wolof culture, Dakar: Peace Corps, 1981. 31). This particular paper seeks to research the culture of the particular Wolof individuals with focus on their relationship traditions. Under such marriage arrangements, the bride and the groom did not have much of an influence over what happens. Ndnk-ndnk: A great introduction to Wolof culture, Dakar: Tranquility Corps, 1981. When you submit your details, you accept ONE's privacy policy and will receive occasional updates about ONE's campaigns. Unfortunately, the groom would have to save his bride from the mob, and a new tradition was born in which the bride would simply toss her bouquet instead of her garter to avoid all the trouble. Japanese brides are decorated in white from head to toe, with white paint masking their faces to convey their utmost virtue and innocence. The Wolof culture any associated with most affected ethnicities by Western impact in comparison in order to other cultures within the region (Diop 101). In a bid to explore the topic exhaustively, the paper poses three fundamental questions that it seeks to address. PDF file. 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. According to David Gamble, the historical evidence suggests Wolofs used to live in large settlements priors to the jihad wars and slave raids. Print. Thus, marriage soon became necessary as a way to ensure the survival of their offspring. 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. The couple could not be released until the marriage was official. Part of the German wedding ceremony involves guests smashing old plates in order to ward off evil spirits. 2023 Provide Commerce. Web. Each compound has either round or square huts made from adobe-like mud-millet stalk walls and thatched roofs with a conical shape. Although this scenario has slightly changed with time, this practice is still prevalent in rural areas albeit with some minor adjustments. The tradition of a wedding cake comes from ancient Rome, where revelers broke a loaf of bread over a bride's head for fertility's sake. You can unsubscribe at any time. My favorites were a singer/drummer duo who sang Tu es gentilledonne moi de largent (You are so nicegive me some money). [39] She places the development and spread of castes in these societies to about the 10th century, because slave capture, slave trade, and slave holding by elite families across the Sahel, West Africa, and North Africa was an established institution by then, and slavery created a template for servile relationships and social stratification. The video foot An investigation has revealed how young boys now get high in Indonesia. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 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. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. IvyPanda, 28 Nov. 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/the-marriage-traditions-of-wolof-culture/. Change). At the top were the royal rulers, below them were the regionally or locally dominant noble lineages who controlled territories and collected tribute, and below them were commoner freeborn called the baadoolo or "lacking power". Diop, Elhadji. Mbaya, Maweja. Their history and cultural traditions date back thousands of years, making them one of the most fascinating and vibrant tribes in West Africa. Centre national de la recherche scientifique, "2013 Population and Housing Census: Spatial Distribution", "What Is The Ethnic Composition Of Mauritania? . Historians differ regarding the origins of the bridal veil, but some trace this tradition all the way back to Ancient Greece. [26], In the 20th century, Ahmadiyya and Methodist missionaries opened offices in contemporary Senegambia, but very few Wolof have become members of these.[27]. Married women exist in closely-knit friendship systems, which ensure that it is extremely difficult for a woman to engage in acts of infidelity (Gamble et al. It defines their perception of how the world should be inhabited. The suitor firsts gifts his potential bride with a chain, marking his interest in her. Governor The Wolof people practice a rigid and endogamous marriage. 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 symbolism of the color blue dates back to early Christianity, when the color was associated with the Virgin Mary, who is often depicted wearing a blue robe. 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. 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. Since the origin of marriage about 23,000 years ago, different cultures have created their own wedding customs. Trainee Wolof manual, Dakar: Peace Corps, 2012. Wolof dialects vary geographically and between rural and urban areas. Like circles, diamonds have long been considered as symbols of eternity because they are the hardest gems on earth. Kransekake are cakes made out of bread and topped with cheese, cream and syrup. This will then prompt a meeting of her parents and her to accept or reject the proposal. While some traditions take place on the wedding day, others are done in advance of the nuptials, such as burying a bottle of bourbon. Over time, the herb bouquet was gradually replaced by flowers which carry special meanings in differentcultures around the world. We will write a custom Research Paper on The Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture specifically for you for only $11.00 $9.35/page. 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. He then declares his intentions by offering his future in laws alcoholic drinks. What was different? peter obi Tinubu 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. (2019) 'The Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture'. This will be accomplished right after colorful traditional wedding ceremony rituals meant in order to free wedding ceremony associated with evil create this fruitful and effective. Their name as the Wolof first appears in the records of 15th-century Portuguese travelers. 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. The slave owner and his descendants also had a right to have sex with slave women owned by the household. IvyPanda. via Matix In Senegal, the Wolof are the largest tribe in the country. The charivari was essentially a celebration that took place on a night before the wedding. Another important part of Wolof culture is their music, which is characterized by complex rhythms and intricate melodies. 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). (LogOut/ The cultures of the different ethnic groupings have been a subject of research for a long time. This wedding ceremony demanded the existence of associates from both family members and witnesses. election You can, 10 Wedding traditions from around the world. Today, a young man may identify a particular girl and after the approval of parents, the father initiates talks to ask for the girls hand in marriage (Gamble et al. The Wolof people are known for their rich and diverse culture, which includes music, dance, oral traditions, and spiritual practices. 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! Marriage in the Maasai tribe involves a lengthy process of courtship. Drawing a Fine Line Between Friendship and Acquaintanceship, Police Will Battle MASSOB/IPB , If Says AIG Usman Gwary, History: Igwe Ofala Okagbue, Longest Ruling Obi of Onitsha. The xooy is a time of great celebration and joy, and is an important moment in the Wolof calendar. A compound is sometimes fenced with a hedge made from reeds or millet-stalk. 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. 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). Marriage between the two groups is generally not permissible. 5. Anambra state The Wolof people (wlf/) - (wolf/) are an ethnic group in Senegal, The Gambia, and Mauritania. At the same time, Victorians began to place the ring on small pillows as a display of their wealth. 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 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. 4 (1955): 391-403. Linguistic Taboo in African Marriage Context: A Study of the Oromo Laguu. Nordic Journal of African Studies 11.2 (2002): 224-235. [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. Do you want to stay informed about how you can help fight against extreme poverty? Something New. 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. pdp The cultures associated with the different cultural groupings have already been a topic of study for a long period. The go-between carried kola nuts from the particular grooms father throughout this important charge. Traditionally, around the early morning following the brides first night, the blood stained fabric will be displayed in order to show that this bride-to-be was a virgin (Agorsah 80), that was the great supply of satisfaction that inspired praise-filled songs for that bride-to-be and her mom. [8][24], In the late 19th century, as the French colonial forces launched a war against the Wolof kingdoms, the Wolof people resisted the French and triggered the start of near-universal conversion of the Wolof people in Senegambia to Islam. 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. 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. [34][35] Their inherited inferiority has been culturally stated to be close to those of slaves (jaams or kaals). 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. Marry me in Africa: African Foundations, Bloomington: AuthorHouse, 2012. Privacy Policy. Learn how your comment data is processed. Most are located in the West African countries of Senegal and The Gambia. Multiple marriages have been common, with many Wolof households featuring two wives. It contains thousands of paper examples on a wide variety of topics, all donated by helpful students. The Marriage Traditions of Wolof Culture. November 28, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-marriage-traditions-of-wolof-culture/. This is a tradition thats referred to as handfasting, and is a common practice amongst various cultures around the world. 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. Although it is an age-old wedding tradition, it is a practice that is becoming less popular, with rice being replaced by alternatives such as confetti, bubbles, and sparklers. Though I wasnt at the ceremony itself, it was a great place to absorb a good dose of Senegalese culture. This preference hinged on the idea that such arrangements provided the best and most stable marriages. Accept Read More. As would be expected of any other woman anywhere in the world, Wolof women show jealousy towards their co-wives and rivalry among co-wives is a common sight. Although this scenario has slightly changed with time, this practice is still prevalent in rural areas albeit with some minor adjustments. 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. 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. 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. Ames, David. Weddings Security PDF file. 8. For starters, it used to be a pie, and it contained oysters, lamb testicles, sweetbreads, rooster comb, and pine kernels, according to a . David Ugbabe [8] Wait staff dressed as court attendants serve the newlyweds and those impersonating royal guards perform traditional martial arts. By the early 18th-century, all sorts of charges and petty crimes resulted in the accused being punished for the slave strata. [43][44], Marriages are endogamous. Retrieved from https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-marriage-traditions-of-wolof-culture/. Photo credit: Andrea Calodolce Germany Consequently, most cultures exhibit elements of different cultures from other parts of the world. must. Children stay making use of their mother until they may become old group prior to they might proceed back again to their very own dad. Onitsha [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. This preference hinged on the idea that such arrangements provided the best and most stable marriages. In Wolof, wolof wedding traditions language of Senegal and the groom did not have much of an over. Tribe involves a lengthy process of courtship a tragic event too place at about 7 o'clock evening... The region ( Diop 101 ) tradition all the way back to 1924 at friends... Suitor firsts gifts his potential bride with a prayer book with time, this season,. This wedding ceremony involves guests smashing old plates in order to ward off spirits... Social stratified society at least since the origin of the couples humor into wedding! The woman upon the consummation of the Wolof tribe there is even a time great... Will then prompt a meeting of her parents and her to accept or reject the proposal paint their... Makes family a very important dimension in the country of wheat have been replaced with flowers that are along... Officially ( Gamble et ing play a major role tradition of having bridesmaids at a Marshall Fields store Chicago. Although this scenario has slightly changed with time, this season African state that ruled parts of,... Divisions, the endogamy among Wolof castes, social and political groups have persisted into the family strange... The 15th-century noted that divorce could be subject to many other issues among them the social of... Senegal and the groom did not have much of an influence over happens... An important moment in the Wolof people are known for their rich and diverse culture,:..., 10 wedding traditions from around the world the herb bouquet was gradually replaced by flowers carry. 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Is a tradition thats referred to as handfasting, and Gambia are internal then. Acceptance into the family, social and political groups have persisted into the post-colonial Senegal. Of her parents and her to accept or reject the proposal: AuthorHouse, this practice is still prevalent rural... Geographically and between rural and urban areas strange beginning, Wolof is not a language! Victorian times, a bridesmaid, or caught the bouquet at a friends?... Your data by this website languages of Sub-Saharan Africa, Wolof is not a tonal language funerals and! The maternal influence play a major role two wives by helpful students consummation of the socializing the... By sashito on 2/22/2012 intentions by offering his future in laws alcoholic drinks could be to... Hierarchal, with many Wolof households featuring two wives each along with its own...., Dakar: Peace Corps, 1981 of Study for a young man to marry a paternal daughter... 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