local conditions and customs
Senegal
The Kingdom of Tekru was established in the 9th century AD and conquered by the Mali Empire in the 13th century. In the mid 14th century, the Kingdom of Yejian Zhuolov belonged to the Sanghai Empire around the 16th century. From 1444 onwards, it was invaded by Portugal and contested by the Netherlands, France, and Britain in the 17th to 18th centuries. In 1677, France established a colony in Senegal and in 1895, it was transferred to French West Africa. In 1946, it became the Overseas Department of France. In 1958, it became an autonomous republic within the French Community. In 1959, it formed a federation with Mali and withdrew in 1960, becoming an independent republic.
religion:
About 94% of Senegal's citizens believe in Islam, 4% in fetishism, 1% in Catholicism, and a small number of followers of primitive religions. There are mainly five major sects of Islam in Senegal, each with its own religious leader, the Caliphate. Among them, the important sects are the Tiganian sect (54%) and the Murid sect (38%). [14]
custom:
Senegalese people are hospitable and enjoy dancing. Local people pay attention to etiquette, dress neatly, and avoid exposing their chest and back. Men prefer to wear a white facial robe called "cloth", while women prefer to wear brightly colored long dresses.
Islam has had a significant impact on the lives of Senegalese people, with most believers avoiding eating pork and drinking alcohol. Eid al Adha is the most important holiday for Muslims at the end or beginning of each year. [6]
Senegalese people are hospitable and enjoy dancing, especially hand drum dance. Their biggest holiday of the year is the Sheep Slaying Festival. According to the Islamic calendar, May 25th is the day of the slaughter of sheep in Islam, named Tabasco, which is around December of each year in the Gregorian calendar. When the festival arrives, the streets and alleys are filled with a festive atmosphere. In the early morning, Dakar is filled with chanting, and after the grand ceremony, many people start slaughtering sheep in their yards. People distribute lamb to their relatives and friends, and sprinkle lamb blood into dug pits.
Religion has a significant impact on the daily customs of Senegalese people, and most of them abstain from using pig skin and viscera as daily necessities, as well as discussing things related to pigs. They also revere Islamic teachings and prohibit drinking in public places. Senegalese people generally wear simple clothing. Men are accustomed to wearing a white "cloth" robe, while women usually wear brightly colored long skirts, and some even wear a scarf over their heads. Especially in rural areas, there is a custom where the average person shaves their head completely, leaving only a piece of hair above their left ear.
In Senegal, if there are distinguished guests coming, they often treat them with Roasted whole lamb. Roasted whole lamb are all lambs. After roasting, place it on a large metal plate and serve it on the dining table. After guests wash their hands, they usually use their right hand to start tearing food from the back and flank of the sheep. Senegalese people generally eat corn, rice, sorghum, and other staple foods, with beef and mutton as the main staple food, with lamb being the majority. They are accustomed to eating large pieces of beef and lamb, and do not like dishes cooked with sliced, diced, or shredded meat.
Their favorite dishes include tomatoes, radishes, carrots, and various beans. In terms of taste, people prefer to eat fragrant and spicy food, not afraid of being greasy, and the average person has a larger appetite. Some people also like to eat French Western cuisine, and usually enjoy bread, butter, and strong coffee for breakfast. I also enjoy drinking tea, especially Chinese green tea. They are accustomed to having tea and chatting after meals to help digestion. Senegalese people generally avoid eating fungi such as shrimp, chicken hair vegetables, mushrooms, and other strangely shaped foods, such as eel, turtle, squid, etc. They are more averse to eating pork.
Senegal is rich in peanuts, and during the peanut harvest season, the "Baseball Peanut" competition becomes a local sports activity. Before the competition, a craftsman drew a white line on the ground with lime to specify the location for stacking peanut bags. The competition is hosted by the local chieftain. At the beginning of the competition, the contestants shouldered their heads and placed peanut bags inside the white line. As they ran back and forth, the peanut bags piled higher and higher. When the peanut bags reached the top of the pyramid and only one bag could be placed, the pile was completed.
At this point, the contestants quickly cleaned the area around the peanut pile and waited for the chief to inspect it. The competition usually consists of 50 people in one
festival:
According to international practice, Senegal works 5 days a week, with public holidays on Saturdays and Sundays. The main statutory holidays in Senegal are: New Year's Day, January 1st; National Day (Independence Day), April 4th; International Labor Day, May 1st; Ascension of the Virgin Mary, August 15th; Sacrificial Rites, November 1st; Christmas, December 25th; Easter, the first Sunday after the spring equinox and full moon. In addition, Muslim festivals such as Eid al Fitr, Eid al Adha, and the local religious festival of Makar are important holidays in Senegal, with dates determined according to the Islamic calendar. [14]
Senegal has a long historical and cultural tradition, which has significant influence in West Africa. The first President Sangor actively advocated for the traditional spirit of black people and promoted traditional African culture and values. I have hosted the first (1966) and third (2010) World Black Art Festival. The Dakar Art Biennale was founded in 1992 and has been held 12 times. It is one of the most influential contemporary art exhibitions in Black Africa.
