Serer religion
Encyclopedia
The Serer religion, Fat Rog ('the way of the Divine') is the original religious beliefs, practices and teachings of the Serer people
. The Serer people believe in a universal Supreme Deity called "Rog. "The Serer people are found throughout the Senegambia Region. The Serer religious beliefs encompasses ancient chants and poems; veneration and offerings to the Serer Gods, Goddesses, ancient Serer Saints and ancestral spirits (Pangool); astronomy
; initiation rites; medicine
; cosmology
and history of the Serer people.
. There are also other lesser Gods and Goddesses such as: The Goddess "Mendis" (Goddess of the River); The God "Thiorak" also spelt "Tulrakh" (God of Wealth
) and The God Taahkarr also spelt "Takhar" (God of Justice
or Vengeance). Each one as ancient as the Serer people themselves.
Rog Sene is the creator deity and is neither the devil
nor a genie
, but the Lord
of the creature
. Rog is the very embodiment of both male and female whom offerings are made to at the foot of trees (such as the sacred Baobab Tree, the sea, the river such as the sacred River Sine, in people's own homes or community shrine etc. Rog Sene is unreachable perhaps to a lesser extend by the Serer High Priests and Priestesses (Saltigue
), who have been initiated and possess the knowledge and power to organise their thoughts into a single cohesive unit.
s to these Pangool, thereby becoming the priests and custodians of the Shrine. As such, "they became the intermediaries among the land, the people and the Pangool".
Whenever a king, or queen or any member of the "Lamanic" lineage passes over to the spirit world, the whole Serer community celebrates in honour of the exemplary lives they had lived on earth in accordance with the teachings of the Serer Religion. Serer prayers are addressed to the Pangool (ancestral sprits) who act as interceders between the living world and the Divine. In addressing their prayers to the Pangool, the Serers chant ancient songs and offer sacrifices such as bull, sheep, goat, chicken or harvested crops.
in Serer Religion. The immortality of the soul and reincarnation
is a strongly held believe in Serer. The "Pangool" - ancestral spirits whom have had lived pure lives at their life time, reached the full ream after they have passed on, are canonised as Holy Saints, and will be those whom will be called upon and venerated and whom would have the power to intercede between the living and the Divine. Acceptance by the ancestors whom have long departed and the ability to intercede with the Divine is as close to heaven after one passes over. Rejection by the ancestors and becoming a lost and wondering soul is as close to hell in Serer Religion.
("Taana"). Totems are prohibitions as well as guardians. They can be animals, plants etc. For example the totem of the Joof Family is the antelope. Any brutality against this animal by the Joof Family is prohibited. This respect gives the Joof Family holy protection. The totem of the Njie Family is the lion and for the Sarr Family is the giraffe.
. In accordance with Serer Religious Doctrines, for one to become a Spiritual Elder (Saltigue), one must be initiated which is somewhat reserved for a small number of insiders, particularly in the mysteries of the universe and the unseen world. The Xoy ( also spelt “Khoy”) Ceremony is a religious event and a special event in the Serer Religious Calendar. It is the time when the initiated Saltigue (Serer High Priests and Priestesses) comes together to literally predict the future in front of the community. These diviners and healers deliver sermons at the Xoy Ceremony which relates to the future weather, politics, economics, and so on. It is a very special event which brings together thousands of people to Holy Sine
from all over the world. "Ultra Orthodox Serers" and Serers who syncretised (converts to the Islam or Christianity and who mix their newly found religion with the old Serer Religion) as well as non Serers such as the Lebou people (who are a distinct group but still revere the ancient religious practices of their Serer ancestors) among others gather at Sine for this ancient Ceremony. Serers who live in the West sometimes spend months planning for the pilgrimage. The event goes on for several days where the Saltigue take centre stage and predict the future. The Ceremony usually begins in the first week of June at Fatick
.
. The Raan occurs every year on the second Thursday after the appearance of the new moon
in April. On the morning of Raan, the Laman would prepare offerings of millet, sour milk and sugar. This mixture is called foox in the Serer language. After sunrise, the Laman make a visit to the sacred pond - the shrine of Saint Luguuñ (the Pangool - "saints or ancestral spirits") who guided Jegan Joof after he migrated from Lambaye (north of Sine
. The Laman would make an offering to Saint Luguuñ and spends the early morning in ritual prayer and meditation
. After that, he makes a tour of Tukar and perform ritual offerings of milk, millet and wine as well as small animals at key shrines, trees, and sacred locations. The people make their way to the compound of the chief Saltigue
(the Serer high priests and priestess - who are the "hereditary rain priests selected from the Laman's lineage for oracular talent."
with another man, both adulterers were humiliated in different ways. The wronged male spouse (the husband) would have taken the under garment of the other male and hang it out on his house to show that the male lover has broken custom by commiting adultry with his wife. He would become the most hated person in Serer society. Everyone would sneer at him; no family would want to marry into his family and he would be ex-communicated. This was and is seen as the most humiliating experience for any male adulterer. The Serers being governed by a code of honour called "Gorie", many men have been known to take their own lives because they couldn’t bear the humiliation anymore. As for the cheating wife, her under garment would not be displayed as the male adulterer, because in Serer culture women are held in high esteem and given respect. However, she would also be humiliated but in a different form. When women marry, they plait their hair in a particular style. Only married women can have that style. This is a symbole of their status. They become the best and most honourable among women. By committing adultery, her female relatives would unplait her hair. Again, this is so humiliating and degrading for a married woman, many women have been known to commit suicide rather than face the shame. The wronged man can forgive both his wife and his wife’s lover if he chooses to do so. The adulterers and their respective families must gather at the king, chief or elder’s compound to formally seek forgiveness. This will be in front of the community because the rules that govern society has been broken. It is upto the wronged spouse to forgive. The doctrine extends to both married men and women. Protection is given to the wronged spouse regardless of their gender
), weddings etc are also prohibited on Thursday.
and wear it either in their person or visibly on their necks.
which is passed down and takes years to acquire. The Senegalese government has set a school and centre to preserve this ancient knowledge and teach it to the young. The CEMETRA (Centre Expérimental de Médecine Traditionnelle de Fatick
) Membership alone consist of atleast 550 professional Serer healers in the Serer region of Sine-Saloum.
In Ndiane, "part of the Mbourouwaye village in the region of Thies
, located 100 km from Dakar
, at the beginning of the Sahelian zone, this small village was founded by some inhabitants of Mbourouwaye who were looking for new land. It is essentially inhabited by one ethnic group,the Serer, who practise agriculture and raise livestock. There is a historical link between these people and their land... the members of this group worshipped their own God referred to as "Rog Sene" through the Pangool (representing their ancestors). Accordingly, they would offer gifts (food) to special places referred to as the Tuur.
Several traditional practices linked with land and agricultural activities are known, two examples are described below:
.
The Serers are one of very few communities in Senegambia apart from the Jolas who actually have a name for God[s] which is not borrowed from Arabic but indigenous to their language.
Tobaski was an ancient Serer Hunting Festival; Gamo was an ancient Serer Divination Festival; Korite [from the Serer word Kor] was a male initiation rite; Weri Kor was the season (or month) ancient Serer males went through their initiation rites."Gamo" (comes from the old Serer word "Gamahou" also "Gamohou"). "Eid al kabir" or "eidul adha" (which are Arabic) are different from Serer "Tobaski", but the Senegambian Muslims borrowed the word "Tobaski" from Serer Religion to describe "Eid al Kabir". The word "Gamo" from Serer Religion. The Arabic word for it is "Mawlid" or "Mawlid an-Nabi" (which celebrates the birth of Muhammad). "Weri Kor" (the month of fasting, "Ramadan" in Arabic) and "Koriteh" or "Korité" ("Aïd-el-fitr" in Arabic which celebrates the end of the month of fasting)also come from the Serer language.
is called "Yoonir". The "Star of Yoonir" is part of the Serer cosmos. It is very important and sacred and just one of many religious symbols in Serer Religion and Cosmology
. It is the brightest star of the universe and commonly known as the Star of Sirius
. With an ancient heritage of farming, "Yoonir" is very important and sacred in Serer Religion, because it announces the beginning of flooding and enable Serer farmers to start planting seeds. The Dogon people
of Mali
call it "Sigui", whilst in Serer it is called "Yoonir" - represented in the form of the "Pangool" (interceders with "Rog" - the Supreme Deity of the Serer people) and "Man". It is before this event where the Serer High Priests and Priestesses known as Saltigue
gather at The "Xoy" (also spelt Khoy)annual Divination Ceremony where they predict the course of the winter months among other things relevant to the lives of the Serer people
. The "Pangool" (plural) are ancestral spirits (also ancient Serer Saints in Serer Religion) represented by snakes.
In Henry Gravrand's book: "La Civilisation Sereer, Pangool", (also author of "La Civilisation Sereer, Cossan), he based his findings on historical and archaelogical evidence in addressing the Serer Nile Valley migration.
and Christianity
(namely Roman Catholic), their conversion was after colonization. They and the Jola people
were the last to convert to these religions.
Most of the Serer converts to Islam were through conversion by choice, not because of defeat in war i.e. Islamic jihadism
. Some still follow the Serer Religion especially in the ancient Kingdom of Sine
. Senegal
and The Gambia
being predominantly Muslim countries, most Muslims see the Serers as stubborn for refusing to abandon their ancient religion in favour of Islam.
The Serers have also battled many prominent African Islamic Jihadists over the centuries. Some of those like Maba Diakhou Bâ
is considered a national hero and given a saint like status by Senegambian Muslims. He himself was killed by the Serer King of Sine - Maat Sine Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof
on 18 July 1867 at The Battle of Fandane-Thiouthiogne commonly known as The Battle of Somb.
At the Battles of Naodorou, Kaymor and Ngaye, where the Serer were defeated, they killed themselves rather than be conquered by the Muslim forces. In these 19th century Islamic Marabout
wars, many of the Serers villagers committed matyrdom, including jumping to their deaths at the Well of Tahompa.
Serer people
The Serer people along with the Jola people are acknowledged to be the oldest inhabitants of The Senegambia....
. The Serer people believe in a universal Supreme Deity called "Rog. "The Serer people are found throughout the Senegambia Region. The Serer religious beliefs encompasses ancient chants and poems; veneration and offerings to the Serer Gods, Goddesses, ancient Serer Saints and ancestral spirits (Pangool); astronomy
Astronomy
Astronomy is a natural science that deals with the study of celestial objects and phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth...
; initiation rites; medicine
Medicine
Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
; cosmology
Cosmology
Cosmology is the discipline that deals with the nature of the Universe as a whole. Cosmologists seek to understand the origin, evolution, structure, and ultimate fate of the Universe at large, as well as the natural laws that keep it in order...
and history of the Serer people.
Divinity
The Serer people believe in a universal Supreme Deity called "Rog" also spelt "Roog" and sometimes referred to as "Rog Sene" (Rog The Immensity). Serer tradition deals with various dimensions of life, death, space and time, ancestral spirit communications and cosmologyCosmology
Cosmology is the discipline that deals with the nature of the Universe as a whole. Cosmologists seek to understand the origin, evolution, structure, and ultimate fate of the Universe at large, as well as the natural laws that keep it in order...
. There are also other lesser Gods and Goddesses such as: The Goddess "Mendis" (Goddess of the River); The God "Thiorak" also spelt "Tulrakh" (God of Wealth
Wealth
Wealth is the abundance of valuable resources or material possessions. The word wealth is derived from the old English wela, which is from an Indo-European word stem...
) and The God Taahkarr also spelt "Takhar" (God of Justice
Justice
Justice is a concept of moral rightness based on ethics, rationality, law, natural law, religion, or equity, along with the punishment of the breach of said ethics; justice is the act of being just and/or fair.-Concept of justice:...
or Vengeance). Each one as ancient as the Serer people themselves.
Rog Sene is the creator deity and is neither the devil
Devil
The Devil is believed in many religions and cultures to be a powerful, supernatural entity that is the personification of evil and the enemy of God and humankind. The nature of the role varies greatly...
nor a genie
Genie
Jinn or genies are supernatural creatures in Arab folklore and Islamic teachings that occupy a parallel world to that of mankind. Together, jinn, humans and angels make up the three sentient creations of Allah. Religious sources say barely anything about them; however, the Qur'an mentions that...
, but the Lord
Lord
Lord is a title with various meanings. It can denote a prince or a feudal superior . The title today is mostly used in connection with the peerage of the United Kingdom or its predecessor countries, although some users of the title do not themselves hold peerages, and use it 'by courtesy'...
of the creature
Creature
A creature is a created thing, being or any product of creative action. The term is used most frequently to refer to biological organisms. The term is derived from the traditional belief that all things are created by God....
. Rog is the very embodiment of both male and female whom offerings are made to at the foot of trees (such as the sacred Baobab Tree, the sea, the river such as the sacred River Sine, in people's own homes or community shrine etc. Rog Sene is unreachable perhaps to a lesser extend by the Serer High Priests and Priestesses (Saltigue
Saltigue
Saltigue are Serer High Priests and Priestesses who precide over the religious ceremonies and affairs of the Serer people. They usually come from ancient Serer paternal families. Such a title is usually inheritted by birth right.- Sources:Louis Diene Faye,...
), who have been initiated and possess the knowledge and power to organise their thoughts into a single cohesive unit.
Pangool
For the ordinary Serers, they addressed their prayers to the "Pangool" (plural: ancestral spirits) as they are the intermediaries between the living world and the Divine. An Orthodox Serer must remain faithful to the ancestral spirits as the soul is sanctified as a result of the ancestors' intercession between the living world and the Divine. The Pangool have both a historical significance as well as a religious one. They are connected to the history of the Serer Race by virtue of the fact that, the Pangool is associated with the founding of Serer villages and towns as a group of Pangool would accompany village founders called "Laman" (who were their ancient kings) as they make their journey looking for land to exploit. Without them, the Laman exploits would not have been possible. In the religious sense, these ancient Lamans created ShrineShrine
A shrine is a holy or sacred place, which is dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, martyr, saint, daemon or similar figure of awe and respect, at which they are venerated or worshipped. Shrines often contain idols, relics, or other such objects associated with the figure being venerated....
s to these Pangool, thereby becoming the priests and custodians of the Shrine. As such, "they became the intermediaries among the land, the people and the Pangool".
Whenever a king, or queen or any member of the "Lamanic" lineage passes over to the spirit world, the whole Serer community celebrates in honour of the exemplary lives they had lived on earth in accordance with the teachings of the Serer Religion. Serer prayers are addressed to the Pangool (ancestral sprits) who act as interceders between the living world and the Divine. In addressing their prayers to the Pangool, the Serers chant ancient songs and offer sacrifices such as bull, sheep, goat, chicken or harvested crops.
Divinity and Humanity
In Serer, Rog Sene is the lifeblood to which the incorruptible and sanctified soul returns to eternal peace after they depart the living world. Rog Sene does not interfere in the day to day affairs of the living world but sees, knows and hears everything. Instead, lesser Gods and Goddesses act as Rog's assistants in the physical world. As such, individuals have the free will to either live a good and spiritually fulfilled life in accordance with Serer Religious Doctrines or weaver from such Doctrines by living an unsanctified lifestyle in the physical world. Those who live their lives contrary to the teachings will be rightfully judged in the afterlife.Afterlife
There is no heaven or hellAfterlife
The afterlife is the belief that a part of, or essence of, or soul of an individual, which carries with it and confers personal identity, survives the death of the body of this world and this lifetime, by natural or supernatural means, in contrast to the belief in eternal...
in Serer Religion. The immortality of the soul and reincarnation
Reincarnation
Reincarnation best describes the concept where the soul or spirit, after the death of the body, is believed to return to live in a new human body, or, in some traditions, either as a human being, animal or plant...
is a strongly held believe in Serer. The "Pangool" - ancestral spirits whom have had lived pure lives at their life time, reached the full ream after they have passed on, are canonised as Holy Saints, and will be those whom will be called upon and venerated and whom would have the power to intercede between the living and the Divine. Acceptance by the ancestors whom have long departed and the ability to intercede with the Divine is as close to heaven after one passes over. Rejection by the ancestors and becoming a lost and wondering soul is as close to hell in Serer Religion.
Family totems
Each Serer family has a totemTotem
A totem is a stipulated ancestor of a group of people, such as a family, clan, group, lineage, or tribe.Totems support larger groups than the individual person. In kinship and descent, if the apical ancestor of a clan is nonhuman, it is called a totem...
("Taana"). Totems are prohibitions as well as guardians. They can be animals, plants etc. For example the totem of the Joof Family is the antelope. Any brutality against this animal by the Joof Family is prohibited. This respect gives the Joof Family holy protection. The totem of the Njie Family is the lion and for the Sarr Family is the giraffe.
The secret order of the Saltigue
Both men and women can be initiated into the secret order of the SaltigueSaltigue
Saltigue are Serer High Priests and Priestesses who precide over the religious ceremonies and affairs of the Serer people. They usually come from ancient Serer paternal families. Such a title is usually inheritted by birth right.- Sources:Louis Diene Faye,...
. In accordance with Serer Religious Doctrines, for one to become a Spiritual Elder (Saltigue), one must be initiated which is somewhat reserved for a small number of insiders, particularly in the mysteries of the universe and the unseen world. The Xoy ( also spelt “Khoy”) Ceremony is a religious event and a special event in the Serer Religious Calendar. It is the time when the initiated Saltigue (Serer High Priests and Priestesses) comes together to literally predict the future in front of the community. These diviners and healers deliver sermons at the Xoy Ceremony which relates to the future weather, politics, economics, and so on. It is a very special event which brings together thousands of people to Holy Sine
Kingdom of Sine
The Kingdom of Sine was a pre-colonial Serer kingdom along the north bank of the Saloum River delta in modern Senegal. Much of the kingdom's population was and still is Serer.-History:...
from all over the world. "Ultra Orthodox Serers" and Serers who syncretised (converts to the Islam or Christianity and who mix their newly found religion with the old Serer Religion) as well as non Serers such as the Lebou people (who are a distinct group but still revere the ancient religious practices of their Serer ancestors) among others gather at Sine for this ancient Ceremony. Serers who live in the West sometimes spend months planning for the pilgrimage. The event goes on for several days where the Saltigue take centre stage and predict the future. The Ceremony usually begins in the first week of June at Fatick
Fatick
Fatick is a city in Senegal, located between M'bour and Kaolack. Its 2005 population was estimated at 24,243. It is the capital of Fatick Region....
.
Holy Ceremonies and Festivals
| Some Of The Serer Holy Ceremonies |
|---|
|
Raan Festival
The Raan Festival of Tukar: This takes place in the old village of Tukar founded by Jegan Joof (also Djigan Diouf) in the 11th. It is headed by his descendants, the (Lamanic lineageLamane
Lamane or Laman "master of the land" were the landed gentry as well the title of ancient kings of the Serer people of the Senegambia region which includes modern day Senegal and The Gambia. This Serer title was also borrowed by the old kings of the Wolof kingdoms...
. The Raan occurs every year on the second Thursday after the appearance of the new moon
New moon
In astronomical terminology, the new moon is the lunar phase that occurs when the Moon, in its monthly orbital motion around Earth, lies between Earth and the Sun, and is therefore in conjunction with the Sun as seen from Earth...
in April. On the morning of Raan, the Laman would prepare offerings of millet, sour milk and sugar. This mixture is called foox in the Serer language. After sunrise, the Laman make a visit to the sacred pond - the shrine of Saint Luguuñ (the Pangool - "saints or ancestral spirits") who guided Jegan Joof after he migrated from Lambaye (north of Sine
Kingdom of Sine
The Kingdom of Sine was a pre-colonial Serer kingdom along the north bank of the Saloum River delta in modern Senegal. Much of the kingdom's population was and still is Serer.-History:...
. The Laman would make an offering to Saint Luguuñ and spends the early morning in ritual prayer and meditation
Meditation
Meditation is any form of a family of practices in which practitioners train their minds or self-induce a mode of consciousness to realize some benefit....
. After that, he makes a tour of Tukar and perform ritual offerings of milk, millet and wine as well as small animals at key shrines, trees, and sacred locations. The people make their way to the compound of the chief Saltigue
Saltigue
Saltigue are Serer High Priests and Priestesses who precide over the religious ceremonies and affairs of the Serer people. They usually come from ancient Serer paternal families. Such a title is usually inheritted by birth right.- Sources:Louis Diene Faye,...
(the Serer high priests and priestess - who are the "hereditary rain priests selected from the Laman's lineage for oracular talent."
Marriage
Courting for a wife is permitted but with boundaries. Women are giving respect and honour in Serer Religion. The woman must not be dishonoured or engaged in a physical relationship until after she has been married. Were a man desires a woman, the man provide the woman gifts as a mark of interest. If the woman and her family accepts, this then becomes an implied contract that she should therefore not court any other man or accept any gifts from another man whose aim is to court her.Premarital relationship
Where a young man and a lass have been found engaged in premarital relationships, both were exiled to avoid bringing shame to the family, even if pregnancy resulted from that courtship.Adultery
Where a married woman for instance had engaged in adulteryAdultery
Adultery is sexual infidelity to one's spouse, and is a form of extramarital sex. It originally referred only to sex between a woman who was married and a person other than her spouse. Even in cases of separation from one's spouse, an extramarital affair is still considered adultery.Adultery is...
with another man, both adulterers were humiliated in different ways. The wronged male spouse (the husband) would have taken the under garment of the other male and hang it out on his house to show that the male lover has broken custom by commiting adultry with his wife. He would become the most hated person in Serer society. Everyone would sneer at him; no family would want to marry into his family and he would be ex-communicated. This was and is seen as the most humiliating experience for any male adulterer. The Serers being governed by a code of honour called "Gorie", many men have been known to take their own lives because they couldn’t bear the humiliation anymore. As for the cheating wife, her under garment would not be displayed as the male adulterer, because in Serer culture women are held in high esteem and given respect. However, she would also be humiliated but in a different form. When women marry, they plait their hair in a particular style. Only married women can have that style. This is a symbole of their status. They become the best and most honourable among women. By committing adultery, her female relatives would unplait her hair. Again, this is so humiliating and degrading for a married woman, many women have been known to commit suicide rather than face the shame. The wronged man can forgive both his wife and his wife’s lover if he chooses to do so. The adulterers and their respective families must gather at the king, chief or elder’s compound to formally seek forgiveness. This will be in front of the community because the rules that govern society has been broken. It is upto the wronged spouse to forgive. The doctrine extends to both married men and women. Protection is given to the wronged spouse regardless of their gender
Murder
In the past, where someone kills another person, the victim’s family have the right to either forgive or seek vengeance. Again the murderer and his family will gather at a local centre headed by the Chief or the palace headed by the King. Before this judgement, the murderer's family will cook some food (millet) to be shared among the community and the victim’s family. The victim’s family will nominate a strong man armed with spear and at the end of it a piece of cooked lamb or beef on it. This assassin taking his instruction from the victim’s family will run towards the murderer who has now got his mouth open waiting for his judgement. If the assassin killed the murderer with his spear, then that is the end of it, the victim’s family have made their judgment. After that, the food that has been cooked would not be eaten and everyone would disperse. From that day on, the families are strangers to each other. If on the other hand, the assassin ran and gently feed the murderer with the piece of meat sticking at his spear, then that signals that the victim’s family have forgiven the murderer. In that case, the community would enjoy the meal and the two families would be sealed as one and sometimes even marry off their children to each other.Day of rest
In Serer, Monday is the day of rest. Cultural activities such as "Laamb" (Serer wrestlingSenegalese wrestling
Senegalese wrestling is a type of Folk wrestling traditional performed by the Serer people and now a national sport in Senegal and parts of The Gambia, and is part of a larger West African form of traditional wrestling...
), weddings etc are also prohibited on Thursday.
Religious attire
Whilst Christians use the cross to wear on their necks, the Serers use something belonging to their ancestor such as the hair of an ancestor or an ancestor’s treasured belonging which they turn into jujuJuju
A Juju is a supernatural power ascribed to an object.Juju may also refer to:-Geography:* Juju , one of seven districts on the island of Rotuma in Fiji* Juju , a village in the district of Juju on the island of Rotuma-Albums:...
and wear it either in their person or visibly on their necks.
Medicine, harvest and offerings
The Serers also have an ancient knowledge of herbalismHerbalism
Herbalism is a traditional medicinal or folk medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts. Herbalism is also known as botanical medicine, medical herbalism, herbal medicine, herbology, herblore, and phytotherapy...
which is passed down and takes years to acquire. The Senegalese government has set a school and centre to preserve this ancient knowledge and teach it to the young. The CEMETRA (Centre Expérimental de Médecine Traditionnelle de Fatick
Fatick
Fatick is a city in Senegal, located between M'bour and Kaolack. Its 2005 population was estimated at 24,243. It is the capital of Fatick Region....
) Membership alone consist of atleast 550 professional Serer healers in the Serer region of Sine-Saloum.
In Ndiane, "part of the Mbourouwaye village in the region of Thies
Thiès
Thiès is the third largest city in Senegal with a population officially estimated at 320,000 in 2005. It lies 60 km east of Dakar on the N2 road and at the junction of railway lines to Dakar, Bamako and St-Louis...
, located 100 km from Dakar
Dakar
Dakar is the capital city and largest city of Senegal. It is located on the Cap-Vert Peninsula on the Atlantic coast and is the westernmost city on the African mainland...
, at the beginning of the Sahelian zone, this small village was founded by some inhabitants of Mbourouwaye who were looking for new land. It is essentially inhabited by one ethnic group,the Serer, who practise agriculture and raise livestock. There is a historical link between these people and their land... the members of this group worshipped their own God referred to as "Rog Sene" through the Pangool (representing their ancestors). Accordingly, they would offer gifts (food) to special places referred to as the Tuur.
Several traditional practices linked with land and agricultural activities are known, two examples are described below:
- Prediction ceremonies organized by the SaltigeSaltigueSaltigue are Serer High Priests and Priestesses who precide over the religious ceremonies and affairs of the Serer people. They usually come from ancient Serer paternal families. Such a title is usually inheritted by birth right.- Sources:Louis Diene Faye,...
, who are considered to be the custodians of indigenous knowledge. Such meetings are aimed at providing information and warning people about what will happen in the village during the next rainy season.
- Preparation of sowings, a ceremony called "Daqaar mboob" aimed at ensuring good millet or groundnut production. For this purpose, every grower has to obtain something called Xos, further to a competitive ceremony consisting of hunting, racing, etc."
Serer influence on Senegambia
Just as the old Pagan festivals are borrowed and altered by Christianity which came later, The ancient Serer Religious Festivals are also borrowed by Senegambian MuslimsIslam in Senegal
Islam is the predominant religion in Senegal. Ninety-four percent of the country's population is estimated to be Muslim. Most Muslims in Senegal are members of one of the Sufi brotherhoods. Islam has existed in Senegal for more than a millennium...
.
The Serers are one of very few communities in Senegambia apart from the Jolas who actually have a name for God[s] which is not borrowed from Arabic but indigenous to their language.
Tobaski was an ancient Serer Hunting Festival; Gamo was an ancient Serer Divination Festival; Korite [from the Serer word Kor] was a male initiation rite; Weri Kor was the season (or month) ancient Serer males went through their initiation rites."Gamo" (comes from the old Serer word "Gamahou" also "Gamohou"). "Eid al kabir" or "eidul adha" (which are Arabic) are different from Serer "Tobaski", but the Senegambian Muslims borrowed the word "Tobaski" from Serer Religion to describe "Eid al Kabir". The word "Gamo" from Serer Religion. The Arabic word for it is "Mawlid" or "Mawlid an-Nabi" (which celebrates the birth of Muhammad). "Weri Kor" (the month of fasting, "Ramadan" in Arabic) and "Koriteh" or "Korité" ("Aïd-el-fitr" in Arabic which celebrates the end of the month of fasting)also come from the Serer language.
Cosmology
One of the most important cosmological stars of the Serer peopleSerer people
The Serer people along with the Jola people are acknowledged to be the oldest inhabitants of The Senegambia....
is called "Yoonir". The "Star of Yoonir" is part of the Serer cosmos. It is very important and sacred and just one of many religious symbols in Serer Religion and Cosmology
Cosmology
Cosmology is the discipline that deals with the nature of the Universe as a whole. Cosmologists seek to understand the origin, evolution, structure, and ultimate fate of the Universe at large, as well as the natural laws that keep it in order...
. It is the brightest star of the universe and commonly known as the Star of Sirius
Sirius
Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky. With a visual apparent magnitude of −1.46, it is almost twice as bright as Canopus, the next brightest star. The name "Sirius" is derived from the Ancient Greek: Seirios . The star has the Bayer designation Alpha Canis Majoris...
. With an ancient heritage of farming, "Yoonir" is very important and sacred in Serer Religion, because it announces the beginning of flooding and enable Serer farmers to start planting seeds. The Dogon people
Dogon people
The Dogon are an ethnic group living in the central plateau region of Mali, south of the Niger bend near the city of Bandiagara in the Mopti region. The population numbers between 400,000 and 800,000 The Dogon are best known for their religious traditions, their mask dances, wooden sculpture and...
of Mali
Mali
Mali , officially the Republic of Mali , is a landlocked country in Western Africa. Mali borders Algeria on the north, Niger on the east, Burkina Faso and the Côte d'Ivoire on the south, Guinea on the south-west, and Senegal and Mauritania on the west. Its size is just over 1,240,000 km² with...
call it "Sigui", whilst in Serer it is called "Yoonir" - represented in the form of the "Pangool" (interceders with "Rog" - the Supreme Deity of the Serer people) and "Man". It is before this event where the Serer High Priests and Priestesses known as Saltigue
Saltigue
Saltigue are Serer High Priests and Priestesses who precide over the religious ceremonies and affairs of the Serer people. They usually come from ancient Serer paternal families. Such a title is usually inheritted by birth right.- Sources:Louis Diene Faye,...
gather at The "Xoy" (also spelt Khoy)annual Divination Ceremony where they predict the course of the winter months among other things relevant to the lives of the Serer people
Serer people
The Serer people along with the Jola people are acknowledged to be the oldest inhabitants of The Senegambia....
. The "Pangool" (plural) are ancestral spirits (also ancient Serer Saints in Serer Religion) represented by snakes.
In Henry Gravrand's book: "La Civilisation Sereer, Pangool", (also author of "La Civilisation Sereer, Cossan), he based his findings on historical and archaelogical evidence in addressing the Serer Nile Valley migration.
Religious devotion and martyrdom
While some Serers converted to IslamIslam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
and Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
(namely Roman Catholic), their conversion was after colonization. They and the Jola people
Jola people
The Jola are an ethnic group found in Senegal , The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau. There are great numbers on the Atlantic coast between the southern banks of the Gambia River, the Casamance region of Senegal and the northern part of Guinea-Bissau...
were the last to convert to these religions.
Most of the Serer converts to Islam were through conversion by choice, not because of defeat in war i.e. Islamic jihadism
Jihadism
Jihadism is a term to describe the renewed focus on armed jihad in radical Islamic fundamentalism....
. Some still follow the Serer Religion especially in the ancient Kingdom of Sine
Kingdom of Sine
The Kingdom of Sine was a pre-colonial Serer kingdom along the north bank of the Saloum River delta in modern Senegal. Much of the kingdom's population was and still is Serer.-History:...
. Senegal
Senegal
Senegal , officially the Republic of Senegal , is a country in western Africa. It owes its name to the Sénégal River that borders it to the east and north...
and The Gambia
The Gambia
The Republic of The Gambia, commonly referred to as The Gambia, or Gambia , is a country in West Africa. Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa, surrounded by Senegal except for a short coastline on the Atlantic Ocean in the west....
being predominantly Muslim countries, most Muslims see the Serers as stubborn for refusing to abandon their ancient religion in favour of Islam.
The Serers have also battled many prominent African Islamic Jihadists over the centuries. Some of those like Maba Diakhou Bâ
Maba Diakhou Bâ
Maba Diakhou Bâ was a marabout from Rip, and a disciple of the Tijaniyya sufi brotherhood...
is considered a national hero and given a saint like status by Senegambian Muslims. He himself was killed by the Serer King of Sine - Maat Sine Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof
Maat Sine Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof
Maat Sine Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof Maat Sine Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof Maat Sine Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof (many variations as well as spellings: "Maad" or "Maat Siin Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof"; "Mad a Sinig" ; "Maat Sine Coumba Ndoffène Fa mak Diouf" ; "Maat Sin Coumba Ndoffène Fa mak Diouf";...
on 18 July 1867 at The Battle of Fandane-Thiouthiogne commonly known as The Battle of Somb.
At the Battles of Naodorou, Kaymor and Ngaye, where the Serer were defeated, they killed themselves rather than be conquered by the Muslim forces. In these 19th century Islamic Marabout
Marabout
A marabout is a Muslim religious leader and teacher in West Africa, and in the Maghreb. The marabout is often a scholar of the Qur'an, or religious teacher. Others may be wandering holy men who survive on alms, Sufi Murshids , or leaders of religious communities...
wars, many of the Serers villagers committed matyrdom, including jumping to their deaths at the Well of Tahompa.