Wedding Traditions Of Africa’s Southern Region

Nov 12
2010
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Wedding Traditions Of Africa’s Southern Region
Wedding traditions and customs can vary from one end of a spectrum to the other, and often
can be completely different than one can imagine. Despite some modern day twists and with
the continent of Africa being the oldest, you will find many very old traditions throughout the
continent, For some of the countries in the southern region, such as South Africa, Tanzania and
Zimbabwe, the traditions and customs reflect both their gloried past and today’s modernization.
South Africa
Wedding traditions in South Africa enjoy more modern twists than most countries in Africa,
such as lighting of the unity candle. The couple has one candle at the service unlit with two
smaller candles, one on each side of the larger one. Then a family member from each side will
light the two smaller candles representing the couple as individuals. Then together they will light
the bigger candle using the two smaller candles. After blowing out the smaller ones, they have
left their individualism and united as one. Other traditions include:
- One of the long outstanding traditions is the Twelve Symbols of Life. These are very important
to their ceremonies and are symbolic to the family. They include: Bible or Koran, Bitter Herbs, a
Broom, Honey, Pepper, a Pot and Spoon, Salt, a Shield, a Spear, Water, Wheat and some Wine.
- Their wedding receptions include a very large feast, also known as the Karamu.
-After the ceremonies and receptions have concluded, the couple’s parents will then go to
the couple’s new home to light a fire. The fire is set from hearths of fire that came from both
parent’s homes.
Tanzania
General wedding traditions will vary pending on the ethnic group involved. Practicing clan
exogamy, which is marrying outside your own clan, is very common and is almost expected. Old
Tanzania weddings are still arranged by the parents. However, in the urban areas of the country
this practice is taking place less and less.
A Muslim bride is usually assigned a Sumo. The sumo is usually her mom’s best friend. She will
remain with the bride-to-be at all times prior to the wedding. The sumo will attend to her every
need as she prepares her body for her big day. This usually will include her skin, hair and nails.
The bride will then be decorated with henna and her hair will be twisted and covered in oils. The
bride’s body will also be covered in oils and heavily applied make-up. After she is ready, she
will then begin the accessory process of jewelry and the veil.
Despite all the preparation, the bride will not attend her own wedding. While her family throws
a large feast and celebration, while the bride waits at home, with her sumo, until her new groom
arrives. The couple has never met prior to being married.
While waiting for him to arrive, the sumo will address the bed with flower petals for fragrance.
She is then paid by the groom upon his arrival. Regardless of the bride’s wishes, he is to take her
virginity once they are alone. After this, if proven that she was a virgin, the family rejoices her
acceptance to the family with a celebration. If proven she was not a virgin prior to this evening,
all wedding gifts are returned.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is another country that often allows for the modern version of the white wedding
gown, if all rules leading up to the wedding are met. After they are met, the man would then ask
her father for permission for a white wedding. Other traditions include:
- Once the couple has decided to marry, the groom-to-be is introduced to her aunt. He will in turn
introduce the bride-to-be to his uncle. It will be the aunt and uncle’s responsibility to introduce
them to the rest of the families.
- After the date has been set, a ceremony known as Lobola takes place; which simply is the
paying of the dowry.
- Many wedding days start with a breakfast porridge called Bota. It can often be flavored by such
things as butter, peanut butter or even jam.
- Often a wedding in Zimbabwe includes the celebration of the killing of either a cow or a goat.
- At the wedding reception a man will hop up onto the table and sing a song for the new couple.
While he is singing, guests will stand in line with the couple’s gifts that they will hand over to
the man singing.

Wedding Traditions Of Africa’s Southern Region
Wedding traditions and customs can vary from one end of a spectrum to the other, and oftencan be completely different than one can imagine. Despite some modern day twists and withthe continent of Africa being the oldest, you will find many very old traditions throughout thecontinent, For some of the countries in the southern region, such as South Africa, Tanzania andZimbabwe, the traditions and customs reflect both their gloried past and today’s modernization.
South Africa
Wedding traditions in South Africa enjoy more modern twists than most countries in Africa,such as lighting of the unity candle. The couple has one candle at the service unlit with twosmaller candles, one on each side of the larger one. Then a family member from each side willlight the two smaller candles representing the couple as individuals. Then together they will lightthe bigger candle using the two smaller candles. After blowing out the smaller ones, they haveleft their individualism and united as one. Other traditions include:
- One of the long outstanding traditions is the Twelve Symbols of Life. These are very importantto their ceremonies and are symbolic to the family. They include: Bible or Koran, Bitter Herbs, aBroom, Honey, Pepper, a Pot and Spoon, Salt, a Shield, a Spear, Water, Wheat and some Wine.
- Their wedding receptions include a very large feast, also known as the Karamu.
-After the ceremonies and receptions have concluded, the couple’s parents will then go tothe couple’s new home to light a fire. The fire is set from hearths of fire that came from bothparent’s homes.
Tanzania
General wedding traditions will vary pending on the ethnic group involved. Practicing clanexogamy, which is marrying outside your own clan, is very common and is almost expected. OldTanzania weddings are still arranged by the parents. However, in the urban areas of the countrythis practice is taking place less and less.
A Muslim bride is usually assigned a Sumo. The sumo is usually her mom’s best friend. She willremain with the bride-to-be at all times prior to the wedding. The sumo will attend to her everyneed as she prepares her body for her big day. This usually will include her skin, hair and nails.
The bride will then be decorated with henna and her hair will be twisted and covered in oils. Thebride’s body will also be covered in oils and heavily applied make-up. After she is ready, shewill then begin the accessory process of jewelry and the veil.
Despite all the preparation, the bride will not attend her own wedding. While her family throwsa large feast and celebration, while the bride waits at home, with her sumo, until her new groom
arrives. The couple has never met prior to being married.
While waiting for him to arrive, the sumo will address the bed with flower petals for fragrance.She is then paid by the groom upon his arrival. Regardless of the bride’s wishes, he is to take hervirginity once they are alone. After this, if proven that she was a virgin, the family rejoices heracceptance to the family with a celebration. If proven she was not a virgin prior to this evening,all wedding gifts are returned.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is another country that often allows for the modern version of the white weddinggown, if all rules leading up to the wedding are met. After they are met, the man would then askher father for permission for a white wedding. Other traditions include:
- Once the couple has decided to marry, the groom-to-be is introduced to her aunt. He will in turnintroduce the bride-to-be to his uncle. It will be the aunt and uncle’s responsibility to introducethem to the rest of the families.
- After the date has been set, a ceremony known as Lobola takes place; which simply is thepaying of the dowry.
- Many wedding days start with a breakfast porridge called Bota. It can often be flavored by suchthings as butter, peanut butter or even jam.
- Often a wedding in Zimbabwe includes the celebration of the killing of either a cow or a goat.
- At the wedding reception a man will hop up onto the table and sing a song for the new couple.While he is singing, guests will stand in line with the couple’s gifts that they will hand over tothe man singing.

Written by nicole in: Hawaii Photographer, hawaii professional photographers, hawaii wedding photograher, maui bride and groom, Maui digital photography, maui event photographer, MAUI FAMILY BEACH PORTRAITS, maui family photographer, maui hawaii photographers, Maui Photographer, Maui Photography, Maui Portraits, MAUI WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER, MAUI WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS, maui wedding photography service, MAUI WEDDING PICTURES, Maui- personal Photographer, photographer, maui, photographers in maui, Photographers Maui, photographers on maui, WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY MAUI, wedding pictures maui, WEDDINGS MAUI | Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Wedding Traditions Of Africa’s Central Region

Nov 04
2010
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Wedding Traditions Of Africa’s Central Region
Wedding traditions throughout the world can bring about all kinds of different traditions,
customs and religious beliefs. Some of the traditions are more modernized and some seem to be
of a different era. For the countries of Africa’s central region, that includes the Congo, Ethiopia,
Kenya and Somalia, these traditions are no different.
Congo
- For the marriage and wedding to be taken seriously, the couple is not allowed to smile during
or after the ceremony; this includes all pre, during and post ceremony photos.
- A church does not have the legal right to hold a wedding, therefore the couple are to wed in a
civil service first, then have a ceremony at the church.
Ethiopia
Arraigned marriages have always been a way of life in Ethiopia, however more of that is
changing, especially in the urban areas of the country. As for the arraigned weddings, after the
groom’s family ensures their son and potential bride are not related, the son’s family will then
ask the girl’s family for the marriage. If successful, the family of the groom will pay a dowry
pending on the family’s wealth. Generally the dowry will include anywhere from money to
livestock. In addition, the bride and groom will never see each other until the wedding itself.
After the ceremony the couple goes to his family’s home for the honeymoon which can last as
long as three months. He is expected to have devirginize his bride within the first three days of
marriage. It is not uncommon for the best man to accompanying the couple on the honeymoon.
During the honeymoon, the bride can go outside the home only after sunset.
After spending the honeymoon period at the groom’s family home, they then spend an
unspecified time staying at her family’s home.
Kenya
Marking the passing from that of a young bride in to that of a married woman, a ceremony
known as kupamba is performed. Kupamba generally takes place in the evening and this is the
first time she is shown in public after her real wedding takes place.
- The Karo tribe beautifies their brides with tattoos of different emblems and symbols onto her
abdomen.
- Amongst the people of Amhara, both marriages and divorces are negotiated between the two
families. Since the wife does not qualify for inheritance from her husband if he were to die, she
is paid wages of that of a housekeeper. Their children are however, will receive the inheritance.
Priests in the Amhara tribe are allowed to get married, but can’t divorce or remarry.
Many parts of Kenya today are adapting a more western style of wedding including the white
wedding gown.
In old traditional Kenya still lives the brides-to-be virgins, but this too has changed in more
modern times and have found that many of today’s brides are no longer virgins. However, in the
Lamu region, where the brides are from upper class families, they have to remain virgins or they
could spoil the family’s reputation.
Somalia
- A man is able to marry as many as four women as long as he can afford to support them.
- It is fairly common for an unborn female to become engaged to an older man.
- Within the Woyo tribe, when a bride marries and moves into her new husband’s home, her
mother gives her a gift; a set of carved pot lids. The lids are carved with images and symbols that
show the proverbs of marriage. The wife will serve food to guests and the lid she chooses would
represent how she is being treated by her husband for all to see without it being vocalized.
- At the wedding ceremony, the father of the bride in a Massai tribe will spit on his daughter’s
head and breasts, which serves as a blessing.
- A Massai bride then walks with her new husband to their new home. She is never to look back
in fear of turning to stone. The bride is often between 13-16 years old.
- To thwart off potential bad luck, sometimes the women in the groom’s family will purposely
insult his new bride.
- In the Swahili tribe, a somo, or elder woman, will teach the bride how to please her new
husband. To prevent problems, it is not uncommon for the somo to hide under the bed in the
event she is needed.
- A Samburu tribe wedding is considered complete after a bull is brought in to the hut, which is
to be watched by the mother of the bride. Then the bull is killed.

Wedding Traditions Of Africa’s Central Region
Wedding traditions throughout the world can bring about all kinds of different traditions,customs and religious beliefs. Some of the traditions are more modernized and some seem to beof a different era. For the countries of Africa’s central region, that includes the Congo, Ethiopia,Kenya and Somalia, these traditions are no different.
Congo
- For the marriage and wedding to be taken seriously, the couple is not allowed to smile duringor after the ceremony; this includes all pre, during and post ceremony photos.
- A church does not have the legal right to hold a wedding, therefore the couple are to wed in acivil service first, then have a ceremony at the church.
Ethiopia
Arraigned marriages have always been a way of life in Ethiopia, however more of that ischanging, especially in the urban areas of the country. As for the arraigned weddings, after thegroom’s family ensures their son and potential bride are not related, the son’s family will thenask the girl’s family for the marriage. If successful, the family of the groom will pay a dowrypending on the family’s wealth. Generally the dowry will include anywhere from money tolivestock. In addition, the bride and groom will never see each other until the wedding itself.
After the ceremony the couple goes to his family’s home for the honeymoon which can last aslong as three months. He is expected to have devirginize his bride within the first three days ofmarriage. It is not uncommon for the best man to accompanying the couple on the honeymoon.During the honeymoon, the bride can go outside the home only after sunset.
After spending the honeymoon period at the groom’s family home, they then spend anunspecified time staying at her family’s home.
Kenya
Marking the passing from that of a young bride in to that of a married woman, a ceremonyknown as kupamba is performed. Kupamba generally takes place in the evening and this is thefirst time she is shown in public after her real wedding takes place.
- The Karo tribe beautifies their brides with tattoos of different emblems and symbols onto herabdomen.
- Amongst the people of Amhara, both marriages and divorces are negotiated between the twofamilies. Since the wife does not qualify for inheritance from her husband if he were to die, sheis paid wages of that of a housekeeper. Their children are however, will receive the inheritance.
Priests in the Amhara tribe are allowed to get married, but can’t divorce or remarry.
Many parts of Kenya today are adapting a more western style of wedding including the whitewedding gown.
In old traditional Kenya still lives the brides-to-be virgins, but this too has changed in moremodern times and have found that many of today’s brides are no longer virgins. However, in theLamu region, where the brides are from upper class families, they have to remain virgins or theycould spoil the family’s reputation.
Somalia
- A man is able to marry as many as four women as long as he can afford to support them.
- It is fairly common for an unborn female to become engaged to an older man.
- Within the Woyo tribe, when a bride marries and moves into her new husband’s home, hermother gives her a gift; a set of carved pot lids. The lids are carved with images and symbols thatshow the proverbs of marriage. The wife will serve food to guests and the lid she chooses wouldrepresent how she is being treated by her husband for all to see without it being vocalized.
- At the wedding ceremony, the father of the bride in a Massai tribe will spit on his daughter’shead and breasts, which serves as a blessing.
- A Massai bride then walks with her new husband to their new home. She is never to look backin fear of turning to stone. The bride is often between 13-16 years old.
- To thwart off potential bad luck, sometimes the women in the groom’s family will purposelyinsult his new bride.
- In the Swahili tribe, a somo, or elder woman, will teach the bride how to please her newhusband. To prevent problems, it is not uncommon for the somo to hide under the bed in theevent she is needed.
- A Samburu tribe wedding is considered complete after a bull is brought in to the hut, which isto be watched by the mother of the bride. Then the bull is killed.

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Wedding Traditions of Africa’s Northeast Region

Oct 29
2010
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Wedding Traditions of Africa’s Northeast Region
Wedding traditions in Africa bear some of the oldest rituals in the world; after all it is the oldest
continent on the planet. Many of these traditions can be attributed to religion, culture or tribal. In
the northeast region of Africa, you’ll find such countries as Chad, Egypt, Libya and Sudan, and
within those countries you will find a spirit of their rituals.
Chad
There are different groups in the country of Chad; the two most known are the Arab Chad and
the Taubou or Daza Chad.
- The Arab Chad lives in a family that is closely knitted together.
- The primary social unit of the Arab Chad is known as Kashimbet.
- The Taubou Chad, are known for being nomadic.
- The wife is the decision maker in the family.
- The Taubou Chad believes in polygamy.
Egypt
- Often girls in Egypt marry at a young age.
- It is believed that the ring finger has the vein of love as it runs straight to the heart and that is
why the ring goes on that finger.
- The groom’s family often proposes to the bride as many Egyptian weddings are still arraigned.
After the agreement is made the Koran’s first chapter is read aloud.
- The Zaffa, which is an Egyptian wedding march, is played prior to the wedding vows. It
includes music, drums, horns, belly dancers and flaming sword performers.
- An Egyptian wedding must include at least two Muslim witnesses.
Libya
- With Islam being the state religion of Libya, the wedding ceremony is usually Islamic and is
quite often officiated by an imam.
- The marriage contract is signed in the bride’s home, but the festivities that follow usually takes
place on a different day.
- Wedding tradition of the past has a Libyan bride’s body completely covered with her face
veiled. However, the guidelines have changed some in recent years allowing a bride to wear a
wedding gown from the Western culture.
- An Islamic wedding generally has the new bride and groom eating their dinner secluded from
the wedding guests.
- On her way to her new home, often candy and rice are used to shower the bride as she walks.
Sudan
- Prior to the wedding, in exchange for the daughter’s hand in marriage, the groom’s family will
give the bride’s family sheep or cattle. This will help in replacing the labor lost by losing the
daughter’s help in the field. In some cases, it may cost the man as much as 40 cattle.
- For the wedding, the groom takes center stage. He is adorned with a large decoration known
as Umbul-Umbul as he arrives. Then the mother of the bride will welcome him to her family by
putting a garland of flowers on him.
- The couple will then bend over forward and kiss their parent’s knees, which is custom called
sungkem. Sungkem is their way to ask for forgiveness, blessings and the promise to serve their
parents even after they are wedded.
- One wedding scenario takes place in front of a gargoyle water fountain. The water flowing
suggests the parent’s love for their children. Then a man and a woman sing kidung, a song on
behalf of their parents. It advises the new couple to live in harmony.
- Another scenario is that the groom and his bride will take their spots sitting side by side in front
of their future homes entrance under an umbrella. They will sit there with their heads covered by
a veil. The umbrella serves two purposes. One is for protection as it shields the couple from any
sun or rain. The other is symbolic for respect and esteem.
- After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom are showered by dancers with flowers
insuring them a fragrant future.
- Rice that is thrown at the couple symbolizes prosperity, while the yellow represents everlasting
love.
- Representing a direction that the couple should take bringing them a happily married life, seven
candles are lit.
- In the southern region of Sudan live the Neur people. Their belief is that the marriage is not
complete until the wife has given birth to two children. In the event she only bears one, he can
seek divorce as well as the return of the cattle.
- In the event the husband dies, his family must present the widow with his brother as her
new husband. If they bear children together, the children will be considered as the deceased
husband’s kids.

Wedding Traditions of Africa’s Northeast Region
Wedding traditions in Africa bear some of the oldest rituals in the world; after all it is the oldestcontinent on the planet. Many of these traditions can be attributed to religion, culture or tribal. Inthe northeast region of Africa, you’ll find such countries as Chad, Egypt, Libya and Sudan, andwithin those countries you will find a spirit of their rituals.
Chad
There are different groups in the country of Chad; the two most known are the Arab Chad andthe Taubou or Daza Chad.
- The Arab Chad lives in a family that is closely knitted together.
- The primary social unit of the Arab Chad is known as Kashimbet.
- The Taubou Chad, are known for being nomadic.
- The wife is the decision maker in the family.
- The Taubou Chad believes in polygamy.
Egypt
- Often girls in Egypt marry at a young age.
- It is believed that the ring finger has the vein of love as it runs straight to the heart and that iswhy the ring goes on that finger.
- The groom’s family often proposes to the bride as many Egyptian weddings are still arraigned.After the agreement is made the Koran’s first chapter is read aloud.
- The Zaffa, which is an Egyptian wedding march, is played prior to the wedding vows. Itincludes music, drums, horns, belly dancers and flaming sword performers.
- An Egyptian wedding must include at least two Muslim witnesses.
Libya
- With Islam being the state religion of Libya, the wedding ceremony is usually Islamic and isquite often officiated by an imam.
- The marriage contract is signed in the bride’s home, but the festivities that follow usually takesplace on a different day.
- Wedding tradition of the past has a Libyan bride’s body completely covered with her faceveiled. However, the guidelines have changed some in recent years allowing a bride to wear awedding gown from the Western culture.
- An Islamic wedding generally has the new bride and groom eating their dinner secluded from
the wedding guests.
- On her way to her new home, often candy and rice are used to shower the bride as she walks.
Sudan
- Prior to the wedding, in exchange for the daughter’s hand in marriage, the groom’s family willgive the bride’s family sheep or cattle. This will help in replacing the labor lost by losing thedaughter’s help in the field. In some cases, it may cost the man as much as 40 cattle.
- For the wedding, the groom takes center stage. He is adorned with a large decoration knownas Umbul-Umbul as he arrives. Then the mother of the bride will welcome him to her family byputting a garland of flowers on him.
- The couple will then bend over forward and kiss their parent’s knees, which is custom calledsungkem. Sungkem is their way to ask for forgiveness, blessings and the promise to serve theirparents even after they are wedded.
- One wedding scenario takes place in front of a gargoyle water fountain. The water flowingsuggests the parent’s love for their children. Then a man and a woman sing kidung, a song onbehalf of their parents. It advises the new couple to live in harmony.
- Another scenario is that the groom and his bride will take their spots sitting side by side in frontof their future homes entrance under an umbrella. They will sit there with their heads covered bya veil. The umbrella serves two purposes. One is for protection as it shields the couple from anysun or rain. The other is symbolic for respect and esteem.
- After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom are showered by dancers with flowersinsuring them a fragrant future.
- Rice that is thrown at the couple symbolizes prosperity, while the yellow represents everlastinglove.
- Representing a direction that the couple should take bringing them a happily married life, sevencandles are lit.
- In the southern region of Sudan live the Neur people. Their belief is that the marriage is notcomplete until the wife has given birth to two children. In the event she only bears one, he canseek divorce as well as the return of the cattle.
- In the event the husband dies, his family must present the widow with his brother as hernew husband. If they bear children together, the children will be considered as the deceasedhusband’s kids.

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Wedding Traditions Of The Oceana’s

Oct 27
2010
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Wedding Traditions Of The Oceana’s
Wedding traditions in the area of the world known as the Oceana region, which includes
Australia and New Zealand, are no different than any other country when it comes to their
wedding traditions. For many outsiders to this region, Australia and New Zealand are known for
their differences, such as the kangaroo, koala bear and the platypus. However, as you can see,
other than the Maori influence, this Oceana region of the world falls right in line with the rest of
the world and the bottom line for marriage, love.
Australia
Australia’ s many wedding traditions have been formed and followed from generation to
generation. In Australia, weddings have a proper way of being done and is expected to be
followed. In fact, much of life is also ‘ codified’ to a way of living down under.
- As part of a long standing tradition in Australia is the handing down of a family bible. Often
these bibles have been through many generations and are considered to be a family heirloom.
- Much of Australia’ s traditions come from England, as Australia was once ruled by England.
However, it is also not uncommon to have ceremonies to be that of Irish or Scottish decent.
- Although most Australian weddings are entrenched in church weddings, statistics are now
showing more and more ceremonies are now taking place outside the church.
- Tradition shows that weddings will include all of the bride and groom’ s family members.
Despite a wedding having its normal stresses, having the entire family can cause undue stress as
well. However, a wedding usually will trump family problems and those issues are set aside to
make this day a special one for the new couple.
- Australian weddings may include various traditions of other cultures, such as: the Greek’ s
linking ribbon coronets, which the bride will wear; India’ s horseback arrival carrying the groom
to the church; the Jewish drinking glass being stomped on; as well as sugared almonds that are
handed out to all the guests, which can be seen in many ceremonies throughout the world. In
addition to the almonds, raw nuts may also be given to wedding guests.
- Almonds and nuts generally symbolize fertility, but in some countries, such as Italy, it
represents good luck.
- A wedding reception in Australia is filled with a variety of music. It can range from the
Scottish bagpipes to traditional England to the United States brands of reception music. It may
also include the Aboriginal didgeridoo melodies.
- During the toasting at the reception, the best man has the duty of reading out to the audience
any letters, cards or other forms of written well-wishes on behalf of those who could not attend.
Often these messages are done playfully.
- At the reception, often ‘ I still call Australia Home’ and ‘ Waltzing Matilda’ will be played and
accompanied by singing and dancing.
- A good cake at your reception is the Lamington, which includes coconut on the outside, while
remaining light and tasty.
- Much like other countries, the new couple’ s car is often decorated. However in Australia it is
common to include a Barbie Doll dangling from the car and often adorned in the clothing in the
same manner as the bridesmaids.
New Zealand
- Old tradition has much of New Zealand’ s weddings taking place in a lavish church setting.
- A New Zealand wedding may take on many traditional aspects of the Maori customs; Maorians
are New Zealand’ s native people.
- Ceremonies that have the Maori influence often include the ‘ infinity loops’ . These loops are
placed over the necks of the couple, representing a never ending love; much like the wedding
ring.
- Another Maorian tradition is the warrior challenge and may also include the welcoming of the
new couple in a ceremony known as ‘ Powhiri’ .
- Despite the traditional church setting that New Zealand has been known for, New Zealand has
taken to more modern methods to marriage locations much like Australia. They may still decide
to go with the traditional church wedding, or now they also have the option of a civil wedding or
a registry office wedding.
- A civil wedding is often a private ceremony. It may take place in many other locations outside
the church setting. Perhaps the ceremony can take place at a park, or beach, or even at a home. In
any event, the setting may be different but the results are still the same.
- A registry office wedding is simply done at a government office, usually where the public
records are held at. It is short and to the point without the pomp and circumstance.

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