Ululation

What the sound is

The sound resembles a howl with a rapid trilling quality. It is produced by moving the tongue and uvula quickly while emitting a loud, high-pitched voice. People make this noise alone or as part of singing styles. It serves as a universal expression of strong emotion and communal celebration.

Middle Eastern traditions

In the Arab world, the practice is called zaghrouta. Egyptian films from the 1940s show women performing these sounds to celebrate brides and grooms. In Iran, women use kel or kel keshidan during weddings. They often greet the bride by making these sounds upon entering the house. Mizrahi Jews also ululate at simcha events like weddings and henna nights.

African and Asian customs

In Ethiopia and Eritrea, ililta is used in Orthodox church services and weddings. Tanzanian women use vigelegele to cheer for graduates and newlyweds. In eastern India, women roll their tongues to produce ululudhvani. Bengalis call it ulu-dhwani, while Odias use Hulahuli. Kashmiris practice zagruta during wedding lead-ups and birthdays.

Historical roots

Ancient Egyptian inscriptions mention ululation in religious texts. Greek writers described ololuge as a cry of joy or grief depending on the context. Homer and Herodotus noted its use in sacred rites. The Hebrew word Hallelujah may derive from an onomatopoeic imitation of this ritual praise performed in ancient Israelite ceremonies.

How Ululation is kept

Women gather around the bride and groom to dance and ululate. In Iran, women enter the home and make special sounds to greet the couple. In Egypt, women perform long, loud ululations during the reception. In India, women welcome the groom or bride with the sound. In Tanzania, women stand and move to the front to celebrate achievements and marriages.

When and where

It occurs during the procession, ceremony, and reception phases of a wedding. It is also made whenever good news is shared in a community gathering. The timing depends on local customs, but it consistently marks moments of high joy and celebration.

The custom is strongest in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. It is practiced in Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Libya, and India. Diaspora communities in Europe and the Americas also maintain these vocal traditions during their cultural celebrations.

What Ululation means

The sound represents pure joy and communal support for the couple. It honors the bride and groom publicly. In some cultures, it marks a transition into a new life stage. The noise fills the space with energy and signals that everyone shares in the happiness of the event.

Who takes part

• women: Perform the ululation to celebrate the couple
• bride: Receives the celebratory sounds from guests
• groom: Is honored by the vocal expressions of joy
• guests: Join in the dancing and vocal celebration

If you are a guest

Guests watch the couple and join the celebration by clapping or dancing. Women often take the lead in making the vocal sounds. Guests may bring gifts or simply offer their presence to share in the joy. The atmosphere is lively and focused on honoring the union.

Then and now

The tradition continues in modern media and music. Artists incorporate ululation into contemporary wedding songs. Films and television shows still depict these practices. The custom remains a living part of cultural identity for many communities today.

On the wedding table

Symbols: Garlands and flowers Henna

Questions people ask about Ululation

See also

MadisarThe nine-yard sari drape worn by Tamil Brahmin women during weddings and religious rites.SvayamvaraThe ancient Hindu ceremony where a princess picks her husband from assembled suitorsMayianThe turmeric paste ceremony held the day before Punjabi weddings in India and Pakistan.Iranian weddingA multi-stage ceremony rooted in Zoroastrianism and Islam that binds families through courtship, feasts, and sacred vows

Good reading and sources

• Ululation on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.