This pancocojams post documents the history of the custom of popping fans in African American (Soul) line dancing.
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
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PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTES
by Azizi Powell, updated September 2, 2o26
Explanation of terms:
By "African American line dancing" I mean choreographed dances to recorded Soul, R&B, Hip Hop, Zydeco, and (less often) Gospel music. These dances are performed by a group of people while they stand in horizontal lines or rows or while they stand in a vertical, follow the leader single file (or much less often) partner line and move in a circular direction.
African American "trail ride" dancing is a form of African American line dancing.
Another referent for "African American line dancing" is "Soul line dancing". Most the people performing African American (Soul) line dancing are African Americans. However, African American (Soul) line dancing can be performed by people of any race or ethnicity.
By "folding fan" I mean a plastic hand held fan that folds and opens up with the flick of the wrist. These types of hand held fans are used in some Chinese dances and in some Flamenco dances.
History of Popping Fans In Soul Line Dancing
The custom of "popping" a hand held fan while line dancing is relatively recent custom.
The earliest video examples of that custom that I've come across to date are from Ed Griffith's Verlosity line dancers (San Diego, California, January, 2015). That video is given as Showcase #1 In this pancocojams post. That same video is embedded in this Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/164844910212525/posts/24664832993120376/. A commenter on that page indicated that Ed Griffith's Verlosity line dancers performed a line dance routine with popping fans in 2014.
Also, another commenter on that same Facebook page refers to this 2013 YouTube video of a Black man and a Black woman at a convention having a comic battle with their hand held folding fans battle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93QEo0_D0dw_Fan Wars UWD 2013 published by ealinghands26, Apr 1, 2014.
Here's an excerpt from the AI Overview response to my question about the history of popping fans during African American (soul) line dancing [asked on September 2, 2026]
"The custom of holding and popping fans in African American
soul line dancing emerged as a widespread cultural phenomenon in 2024 and
exploded into the mainstream by 2025. The trend was catalyzed by the viral
choreography for the song "Boots on the Ground" by Tre Little, which
explicitly integrated a sharp, rhythmic wrist-flick to snap a folding hand fan
open on specific musical beats
The Evolution of the Trend
Functional Origins: Handheld folding fans have long been a
staple in Black community spaces—such as hot Southern churches and crowded
summer family reunions—primarily used to keep cool while socializing or
dancing.
The "Boots on the Ground" Catalyst (2024–2025):
When choreographer Tre Little introduced the "Boots on
the Ground" routine, the fan was transformed from a cooling tool into a
rhythmic instrument. Dancers began using heavy-ribbed bamboo or plastic
"clack fans" to produce a sharp, percussive "pop" or
"clack" that perfectly accentuates the heavy downbeats of the music.
Social Media Boom:
The visual and auditory satisfaction of dozens of dancers simultaneously popping their fans caused the dance to go viral on TikTok and Instagram. It quickly transitioned from local classes to national cultural moments, utilized by college marching bands and high-profile figures"...
-end of quote-
By at least the late 2024, YouTube videos document an increasing number of males are shown dancing with fans, suggesting that it has become acceptable to "pop fans" regardless of one's gender.
When the line dance begins, the fan is folded and then opened on the beat. This creates a "pop" or snapping sound.The fan may be waved, but is usually quickly folded and that process continues throughout the line dance. I've come across a few relatively early YouTube videos of some line dancers hitting the folded fan on the palm of their hand, and/or tapping the folded fan to their side while they danced, but I haven't noticed that custom in later YouTube Soul line dancing videos.
It's possible that the African American (Soul) line dancing custom of dancing with a folding fan was inspired by Flamenco fan dancing that includes holding and/or Chinese fan dancing, However, both these dance styles are quite different from African American (Soul) line dancing with a hand fan. The custom of New Orleans Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs dancing and strutting while holding one or two large fleather fans probably also influenced the custom of African Americans line dancing while holding a hand fan.
Country American line dancing doesn't have the custom of holding, waving, and twirling dance cloths or popping hand held fans.
****
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT POPPING FANS DURING AFRICAN AMERICAN (SOUL) LINE DANCING
In most of the YouTube videos of Soul line dancing with fans, more women line dancers than men dance with fans. Instead of holding a fan, some male line dancers, clap to the beat or wave a (usually white) towel, cloth napkin, or handkerchiefs while they dance. (I refer to those hand held items as "dance cloths". The custom of males (and less often in YouTube African American videos that I have come across) holding, waving, and twirling a dance cloth while they line dance has its source in the custom of carrying a handkerchief or small towel as a sweat cloth for the dancer who is really "getting down" ("getting funky") on the dance floor to wipe his (or her) sweat off of their brow.
Although folding fans that are used for Soul line dancing can be any color, I haven't seen any fans in these videos that are multicolored. The fact that each fan can be a different color adds to their visual effect.
Most YouTube videos on African American line dancing only have a small number of comments in their discussion threads. In perusing various discussion threads of line dancing videos in which the dancers hold fans, I've only come across only a few comments about the custom of "fan popping". All of those comments are included below.
My daughter Tazi Hughes used to teach line dancing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with Roland Ford's Dance & Be Fit program. She shared with me that some members of the line dance community in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in Maryland, and in other states dance with folding fans to accentuate the beat. For instance, in a line dance when a person takes three steps to the right and claps, a person with a fan would snap open the fan instead of clapping on that beat. My daughter also told me that one way that line dancing with fans has spread throughout the United States is because a lot of dancers do it during at national and regional line dance conventions as well as during their regular line dance sessions and get togethers.
If you are familiar with the history and custom of popping fans while performing line dancing, please help document this history and custom by adding information in the comment section below. Thanks!
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A FEW ADDITIONAL YOUTUBE VIDEOS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN (SOUL) LINE DANCING HOLDING A HAND FAN
These videos are given in relative chronological order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 - ★ Woop Woop / Player ★
soulsisterify2, September 3, 2015, D'Vaz Danz'n 2nd
Annual Dance for Diabetes Research Workshop.
Music "Hey Lover" by Charlie
Wilson & Woop Woop by OilWell.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #3: Fan Popping
Gladys Smith, April 14, 2016
Keith Sweat- Good Loving
-snip-
Here are two comments from this video's discussion thread:
1. Eric Williams, 2021
"What kind of fans are those? How can I purchase one?"
**
Reply
2. Gladys Smith, 2021
"Hi Eric, they are 12" silk oriential fans. There is always someone selling them among
the line dance family."
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #-4The Colonel of The Fan Brigade, Reggie Sullivan, SB Steppers
2nd. Annual Dance Convention in Shreve.
Bobby Mobley, August 28, 2016
-snip-
Here are the only comments that are posted to this video's discussion thread:
1. Mattie Brooks, 2019
"Love this line dance. Where can I get the fan?"
**
2, Ray Johnson, 2022
"Yawl go. We pop the fans in Cali too."
-snip-
Notice that it's not just women line dancers in this group who are popping fans.
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SHOWCASE VIDEO #5 - Come on Home - Line Dance
Houston TSI, Mar 14, 2017
TSI LINE DANCE TUESDAY - @ THE STUDIO with Jean Dozier
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #6: LEVEL UP AKA POP YOUR FANS ★ Creator: Brooklyn Ed
TOPSHELF67, Nov 15, 2017
★ Creator: Brooklyn Ed ★ Song: "Level" by Stokely -snip- Here's a few comments from this video's discussion thread (with numbers added for referencing purposes only).
1. Tajauna Thompson, 2018 "Ok so I'm sorry it took me a year to see this particular line dance but you'll killed that ! I've seen several different ones to this song and I have enjoyed them all but the use of the fans added some flavor and made it special . And to The young lady in the front that had on the black t shirt you're in a class by yourself I really enjoyed watching you . Your performance was smooth thanks"
** Reply 2. TOPSHELF 67, 2018 "Tajauna Thompson Good Morning...Juice aka Roll With It sends her deepest gratitude. She says that it was actually the Ambassador who encouraged us to put some STANK on it if you will. Thanks for viewing and responding. Have a great day. The BEST way."
** Reply 3. Tajauna Thompson, 2018 "Nice ideal it worked. Very well done it makes yours unique you'll have a good day as well . I'll keep watching for more from you'll "
** 5. Betty Washington, 2022 "Love the routine with the fan it adds favor to the dance
Love it. Btw how can I get a fan that pop is it on Amazon What is it called
I jus happened upon this comment about Beyonce's newly released song "Break My Soul" that mentions "popping fans" (The comment is in the discussion thread for a Reaction vlog for that song)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgLQHrzOHn8 Vemon Cloudz, June 23, 2022 "I love this direction Motha Beyonce is heading towards. I felt motivated and i do pop my fan as i listen to this". -snip- The vlogger Zach Campbell is LGBTQ. I wonder - Did popping fans come from LGBTQ cultures and was then picked up by Black (Soul) line dancing by Black females (the same as so many other Gay/drag lingo/dances etc)?
In the August 2021 video "Down In The Kuntry", two women are shown holding folding fans while posing and dancing ln place behind or along side of the lead singers Stan Butler and West Love. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJUtBLFd5jA.
This isn't line dancing and the women didn't pop their fans (that I noticed). But I wonder what other forms of dancing includes fan popping?
Here's a comment from a YouTube video about Flamenco dancing that includes a comment about the sound a particular fan makes when it is opened: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzeYTKze_0k&t=113s Advanced Flamenco Dancing : Advanced Fan Combo Moves in Flamenco Dancing, published by ExpertVillage Leaf Group, Sept. 11, 2007 "Practice opening your fan and closing it [your fan]. This is an incredibly loud fan that I have today. So you will find them a little bit more silent."... [1:50 in that video] -snip- My sense is that the loud popping sound which is frowned upon in this video (and in Flamenco dancing?) is probably considered a plus in African American (Soul) line dancing.
[This is a complete reprint of the 2015 pancocojams posts and its two comments (as of September 2, 2026). That post remains in this pancocojams blog.]
This post is Part I of a four part pancocojams series on Ghanaian, Togolese, and Nigerian customs of waving or twirling white handkerchiefs while dancing or while worshipping in church.
This post presents information about those traditional customs in the Ewe cultures of Ghana, West Africa and Toga, West Africa, as well as information about the Igbos (Nigeria) traditional custom of dancing with white handkerchiefs.
This post also explores some reasons that have been given for the customs of waving white handkerchiefs or dancing white handkerchiefs in those cultures as well as my speculations about the meanings of those customs.
**** The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
**** I believe that the customs of waving white handkerchiefs in New Orleans, Louisiana or elsewhere in the United States while marching in second line wedding parades have their sources in the traditional customs of waving or dancing with white handkerchiefs in the Ewe cultures of Ghana, West Africa and Togo, West Africa, and the Igbo culture of Nigeria, West Africa.
**** INFORMATION ABOUT BORBORBOR (Ghana) / (AKPESSE (Togo)- TRADITIONAL DANCES WITH WHITE HANDKERCHIEFS AMONG EWE WOMEN IN GHANA AND IN TOGO From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borborbor "Borborbor is Ghanaian and Togolese traditional dance performed by the Ewes from mid Volta region of Ghana. The dance is specially performed during the festival of the chiefs and peoples of communities."
** From http://www.bridgingdevelopment.org/culturepages/musicpages/borborbor.htm "Borborbor is the most popular style of recreational music in the Volta Region [of Ghana]. It links traditional drumming rhythms with proverbial lyrics that frequently include Christian themes. It is the ultimate blend of old and new. Borborbor is often played at celebrations and funerals. Borborbor drummers weave moderate beats while women dancers and singers revolve around them. Women singers carry two white handkerchiefs that they twirl in the air at the end of a drumming period. A bugle may be used to add spice to the music. There is usually one song leader who will sing the first line of a song and lead the people from one song to the next by combining the meanings of different songs in unique ways to evoke the spirit of the particular occasion. Everyone in the community may participate in these performances which usually begin at dusk and can continue well into the night and even until dawn. Borborbor dance is very suggestive and many boy-girl liaisons develop during these events."
** From http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=201101 [Excerpt from a comment about the use of colored handkerchiefs for borborbor] "I have seen a [borborbor] group use black and red handkerchiefs. That is ugly. It is an abomination that will be sternly frowned upon by the borborbor aficionados. Anything other than white handkerchiefs detracts from the purity of the dance."... -snip- The tradition of only dancing Borborbor with two white handkerchiefs might be weakening. For example, a woman dressed in brown in a 2007 video of Borborbor from Tema, Ghana dances with one brown handkerchief. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yVIAwvWbMA. Also, in a 2012 video of Borborbor dancing at a funeral, women dressed in red dance with red handkerchiefs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yVIAwvWbMA. (Note: Red and black are funeral colors in Ghana.). And another Ghanaian video shows a woman wearing a black dress dancing with a black handkerchief and some women dancing Borborbor with no handkerchiefs at all https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjRhMlerw9k.
In the Togolese videos that I've watched on YouTube, white handkerchiefs held by the dancers are smaller and thinner. From the few videos that I've seen, it appears to me that there is more emphasis on the twirling motions in the Togolese form of Borborbor than in the Ghanaian form of that dance. I've not found any information online about the meaning of these dances. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/04/borborbor-performances-togo-ghana.html
I've not been able to find any information online about the name or names of the Igbo (Nigerian) traditional dances that women performed and still perform with white handkerchiefs. However, the information that I found points to what I think is the real reasons for the use of white handkerchiefs in Igbo dance (and, I believe also provides the real reasons for the use of white handkerchiefs in Ewe dance. Those reasons are given in #4 and #5 of the "Why..." section below.
**** A QUOTE ABOUT WAVING WHITE HANDKERCHIEFS IN GHANAIAN CHURCH SERVICES Google books Word Made Global: Stories of African Christianity in New York City by Mark R. Gornik, Andrew Walls, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, Jul 22, 2011 - p. 89 Solemnly and slowly the leaders and choir of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Harlem [New York City] process down the aisle. First in line is the Church Choir, dressed in its pressed black and white uniforms, followed by Rev. Asiedu, and a presiding elder. After a selection of hymns and liturgical prayers in Twi from the Presbyterian Church of Ghana – from hymnals the members brought with them-the service dramatically shifts gears. The Church band has the congregation out of its pews and in the aisles dancing, marching, and waving white handkerchiefs to the High-life infected rhythms and choruses of Ghanaian Gospel music with its propelling baselines, multiple drums and percussion sounds, and cool saxophone notes”. -snip- Videos of Ghanaian church services that include waving white handkerchiefs are included in Part II of this pancocojams series. However, YouTube videos document that waving white handkerchiefs isn't done in every Ghanaian denomination (and probably not every church service for particular denominations).
**** COMMENTS ABOUT THE MEANING OF WHITE HANDKERCHIEFS IN IGBO AND EWE DANCES Note: I've assigned numbers to these quotes for referencing purposes only.
1. From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bho1JbB1gTA Atta Boafo - Double Double (Blessings)* sisteryaime, 2012 "can anyone please tell me the meaning behind the lttle cloths all african always be swinging around while praising God in church? thxs"
** 2. From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bho1JbB1gTA Atta Boafo - Double Double (Blessings)* callmeblessings, 2012 in reply to sisteryaime @sisteryaime lol it doesn't really have a meaning as far as I know. Its just people in africa have these little scarves or cloth because of the heat. For some reason they started using it in church as an extra to praise God. It looks nice too when the whole church does it I think lol." -snip- The comment that people wave white handkerchiefs in church because of the heat is echoed in discussion threads about why people wave white handkerchiefs during New Orleans wedding second line parades. I think that reason is much too simplistic. That said, I agree that Borborbor dancers, Igbo dancers, people waving handkerchiefs while dancing in church, or just waving handkerchiefs in church could also use those handkerchiefs to wipe the sweat of their face. But there's more too the custom then just heat and sweat- as that blogger indicates in the rest of his or her comment. -snip- This video is featured in Part II of this pancocojams series. Also, click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/11/two-versions-of-african-gospel-song.html for a pancocojams post about the song "Double Double" which includes the lyrics for that song.
** 3. From Google book Riddle and Bash: African Performance and Literature Reviews By Chinenye Ce African Books Collective, 2010 p. 60 [describing Igbo women dancers] "A white handkerchief can be seen on their hands with which they which wave in rhythm to their dancing and wipe the sweat off their faces. As custodians of virtue, they must be bare footed so that their feet are fully on earth. Waist movements are measured and controlled, hand gestures are also prominent."
** 4. From https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/TalkNigeria/conversations/topics/38807 Reply to Jimjack-The Politics of Oil: Ikwere Search for Cultural Identity Paul Oranika, Jul 23, 2007 "Dear JimJack: ..."You also need to understand that white handkerchiefs are not just used for sweat purposes only, black, yellow, green purple and other color handkerchiefs could do the same job as well. JimJack the major cultural angle of the white handkerchiefs used by Igbo women in dancing serves a major purpose of dance and movement synchronization. -snip- It seems to me that any one color could serve the purpose of dance and movement synchronization. Also, any one color could help emphasize the movements of the hands (which I think is one purpose for the handkerchiefs). But I think that the reason why the color white was (is?) chosen for this dance (the Igbo dances and also the Ewe dances) is because of the cultural meaning of the color "white" in those cultures.
**** 5. From https://books.google.com/books?id=8bswAQAAIAAJ Groundwork of Igbo history - Page 754 Adiele Eberechukwu Afigbo - 1992 - [Snippet view] "Because the Ogbaru people associated the white colour with deities, the dance was first performed with costumes made of white cloth under the priestess, the dance had a religious character... However, white handkerchief was introduced to accentuate the white symbolism." -snip- Although this comment refers to Igbo traditional dancing, it may also apply to the Ewe dancing that are the focus of this post. -snip- I believe these customs also have an aesthetic value, i.e. they look good.
**** MY SPECULATION ABOUT WHY GHANAIANS AND OTHER PEOPLE WAVE WHITE HANKERCHIEFS DURING CHRISTIAN WORSHIP SERVICES While waving and twirling white handkerchiefs in the traditional dances may have emphasized the movement of the dancers' hands and helped show group synchronicity, it seems to me that the main reason why people wave handkerchiefs in church is that it's a way of joyfully praising God. The Borborbor dance is probably the source of that custom for Ghanaian Christians although that dance isn't traditional for all Ghanaians.
Note these comments from the discussion thread for the video of the Gospel song "Double Double" whose link is given above: tallandstately, 2011 "Who said you can't have fun while praising God! Wow, GOD IS GOOD!!"
** "deborah king, 2013 "love it make a joyful noise unto the LORD"
** phio luv, 2013 "we shall enter His gates with thanks giving....oh i love that"
** KrisJSR, 2013 "this song puts me in such a great mood for worship for dancing!!!i love it! my God is Good O!!" -snip- The color white denotes purity and therefore fits in Christian theological beliefs. In addition, notice in the videos of these church worship services (that are found in Part II of this series) that men and women raise their handkerchiefs high and not low. That also fits in the theological belief in God being above (Heaven). -snip- I'm interested in your opinions about why white handkerchiefs are used for these dances and worship services.
**** COMMENTS FROM THE DISCUSSION THREAD FOR THAT 2015 PANCOCOJAMS POST
Hi Azizi, just linked to this interesting post from a Wikipedia article on handkerchiefs.
Did you know traditional English 'Morris' dancing, which today is very sedate, has also got this use of handkerchiefs? Apparently although Morris-dancing is now a folk tradition it began in the 15th c. as a court craze for a style of African dance derived via Spain (literally "Moorish" dancing). So the West African tradition may be a very old one.
Thanks for noting that some Morris dancers dance with white handkerchiefs. I agree with the origin of the term "Moorish dancing" that you shared, but (as that Wikipedia article notes), there are different schools of thought about the origin of that dance style.
I should have stated in my post that there are other dances worldwide that include handkerchiefs. This post (and the other posts in this series) only focuses on the Ghanaian, Togolese, and Nigerian dances and the New Orleans second liners that I believe ultimately derive from those-and perhaps other- West African handkerchief waving and dancing customs.
I also failed to mention that other ethnic groups in Ghana have traditions that include waving white handkerchiefs. The last post in this series showcases four videos of Ashanti festivals. Throughout those videos people-mostly women- can be seen waving white handkerchiefs.
That post remains on this blog and additional comments may still be added to this post.
This post presents the theories that I've found online about the reasons why New Orleans, Louisiana second line paraders hold & twirl parasols and wave white handkerchiefs.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, historical, and cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are featured in the videos that are embedded in this post. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of those videos on YouTube.
**** DISCLAIMER This post presents theories that I gleaned from reading some internet sources. These theories aren't meant to be comprehensive.
My stating that (based on my internet reading) Ghana, West Africa is a probable early source for the New Orleans Mardi Gras custom of twirling parasols and waving white handkerchiefs doesn't mean that there were (are) other African sources for these customs as well as other reasons (such as the heat) for these New Orleans Mardi Gras customs.
Also, my referring to Ghana regarding this subject, it doesn't mean that that is the only African nation that had (has) the tradition of dancers waving white (or other colors?) handkerchiefs while they danced. Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2026/09/information-about-dancing-and-waving.html for the pancocojams post entitled "Information About Dancing And Waving White Handkerchiefs In Ewe Cultures Of Ghana & Togo And The Igbo Culture Of Nigeria (reprint)"
In addition, click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5dcczS2GsE for the YouTube video of The Democratic Republic Of The Congo (Central Africa) group Proclaim's version of the Gospel song "Awesome God". Notice that the boys waving a handkerchief while they dance is a key element in that dance. I don't know if waving handkerchiefs was an early element of that dance of if that custom was added to that dance by that group and by others who I have seen (online) doing that dance.
****
REASONS THAT I HAVE COME ACROSS ONLINE FOR WHY SECOND LINERS TWIRL PARASOLS AND WAVE WHITE HANDKERCHIEFS These theories are given in no particular order.
1. It's hot outside (parasols offer shade and handkerchiefs wipe off sweat in the heat)
2. It looks good
3. People carried and twirled white parasols and waved white handkerchiefs for spiritual reasons. -snip- My guess is that the third reason was the earliest reason for these customs.
Statements about reason #1 (italics added to highlight a sentence) Quote #1 from http://blog.juliahohne.com/2012/09/06/pick-your-parasol/ Julia, September 6, 2012 "Parasols and umbrellas are as important to a New Orleans wedding as red beans & rice are to Monday. But why? Where did the tradition come from? And what is that second line handkerchief all about? Heck, what’s a second line? I know many of you already know the answers, but for all of you destination brides and your confused family members, I thought a little explaining was in order.
The second line tradition is one of my favorite ‘only in New Orleans’ wedding traditions. After the ceremony a brass band plays celebratory music as the couple, holding his and hers parasols, dance behind. This is called the ‘first line’. All of their wedding guests, (and often times random people in the French Quarter) are invited to dance behind, waving white handkerchiefs in the air, to celebrate the newlyweds. The band leads the entire wedding ensemble to the reception venue. Think of it as your own little personal parade. I mean, what bride doesn’t want that? The tradition is based on the famous New Orleans jazz funerals, where the band would play somber, slow music to honor the life of the deceased person. A second line of family and friends would form behind twirling umbrellas and parasols (it is New Orleans after all, and HOT practically all the time!). Those who didn’t have a parasol would retrieve a white handkerchief from the breast pocket of a nearby gentleman and twirl it above their head to join the parade.
So next time you go to a New Orleans wedding, and are handed a handkerchief at the ceremony, you’ll know it’s not to dab your tears or blow your nose but to celebrate the couple in a parade afterwards!"
**** Quote #2 from https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070728091424AAo1lxn onetwobucklemyfoo, July 24, 2007 "Reason for white handkerchiefs in New Orleans style wedding? I have a friend who is getting married and is thinking of doing New Orleans style wedding, but she is curious of why they wave white handkerchiefs after the wedding. Does anyone know?
That is part of a uniquely New Orleans tradition of second-lining! It started back in the mid-late 1800s when a band would march and play behind a casket for a funeral procession. They were known as the first line.The people who would join in behind the band, marching and singing and dancing, were known as the second-line. Because New Orleans is SO hot and humid for much of the year, when these processions would take place, people would carry umbrellas to help keep the sun off their heads--that's still done today in New Orleans--people carry open umbrellas when the sun is out! Also, they would carry handkerchiefs to wipe their faces and dry them by waving them in the air. Second lining is done quite frequently at celebrations like weddings and festivals in New Orleans. Source(s): I'm a New Orleans tourguide"
**** statements about reason #2 I believe that the custom of waving white handkerchiefs in New Orleans, Louisiana or elsewhere in the United States while marching in second line parades have their sources in the traditional customs of waving or dancing with white handkerchiefs in the Ewe cultures of Ghana, West Africa and Togo, West Africa, as well as the Igbo culture of Nigeria, West Africa.
Coincidentally, the "it's hot outside" response was also given in response to a commenter asking why Africans wave white handkerchiefs in church That explanation is combined with a "it looks nice (aesthetic) explanation. Quote #1 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bho1JbB1gTA Atta Boafo - Double Double (Blessings) callmeblessings, 2012 in reply to sisteryaime @sisteryaime lol it doesn't really have a meaning as far as I know. Its just people in africa have these little scarves or cloth because of the heat. For some reason they started using it in church as an extra to praise God. It looks nice too when the whole church does it I think lol." -snip- That comment is included in the first post of a four part series on traditional customs of waving or dancing with white handkerchiefs in certain West African cultures. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/11/information-about-dancing-and-waving.html for Part I of a four part series. The links to the other posts in that series can be found in that post.
**** statements about reason #3 I believe that the custom of people holding parasols and twirling parasols in first line and second line New Orleans parades have their source in traditional Ashanti (Ghanaian) traditions. In Ghana (and in Egypt and some other African nations) umbrellas were used and are still used to protect royalty from the heat. But I wonder if twirling those umbrellas had (has) a spiritual meaning, similar to the Islamic custom of whirling dervishes or the Buddhist custom of spinning a prayer wheel. Even if there was (and is?) a religious element to the large twirling Ghanaian umbrellas, my guess is that this custom also has an aesthetic element- those twirling umbrellas look good.
I'm also not denying that the white handkerchiefs that are twirled by Ghanaian church goers might sometimes be used to wipe off their sweat. But white handkerchiefs are twirled as a way of expressing spiritual joy. And one comment that I found online indicates that the traditional Igbo dances which include twirling white handkerchiefs had a spiritual meaning: Quote #2 from https://books.google.com/books?id=8bswAQAAIAAJ Groundwork of Igbo history - Page 754 Adiele Eberechukwu Afigbo - 1992 "Because the Ogbaru people associated the white colour with deities, the dance was first performed with costumes made of white cloth under the priestess, the dance had a religious character... However, white handkerchief was introduced to accentuate the white symbolism." -snip- Notice that in the above mentioned West African traditions and in the New Orleans second line traditions that derive from those African traditions, the handkerchief color is "white", though other colors might be used nowadays.
Mystery in Motion: African American Spirituality in Mardi
Gras
Online Exhibitions
"From the era of slavery through the present, flying figures
have remained essential themes in African American folklore. Enslaved Africans,
who were kidnapped and brought to the New World, passed down tales of tribal
members or ancestors who had the power to soar through the skies or walk on
water and return to freedom in Africa. This vital mythology also contributes to
ideas about the afterlife, with flying spirits returning to the homeland.
As Africans became Christianized, beliefs in flying figures
persisted and evolved. In Christianity, the dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit,
and in funerary art conveys that the deceased is being carried to heaven. Such
iconography would have connected with enslaved West Africans, for whom birds
represent ashรฉ, the power to make things happen This alignment of symbol and
belief continues to this day, as in the tradition of waving a white
handkerchief in second-line dances at New Orleans jazz funerals, a practice
that can be interpreted to represent a convergence of Christian and traditional
Yoruba iconography. The imagery remained in songs and hymns, retaining a mystic
connection to flight. For example, the hymn “I’ll Fly Away,” which originated
elsewhere, resonated deeply with African Americans in New Orleans and became a
standard in the New Orleans brass band funeral repertoire.
In Mardi Gras Indian suits, the imagery of flight has also
been applied to scenes of political allegory. Tyrone Casby, Big Chief of the
Mohawk Hunters, incorporated a winged President Barack Obama in symbolic
battles with flying dragons into two of his suits, one at the beginning of
Obama’s first term and a second one as he left office. In these examples, as in
other representations, heroic flying figures represent an invocation or
recognition of spiritual agency in service of social justice. "
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO EXAMPLES Videos Of Men Holding & Twirling Umbrellas (Ashanti Culture, Ghana)
Example #1: New Video of Ashanti Historic Festival in Koforidua, New Juaben, Ghana, Africa, World
Hunter Gatherer, Published on Apr 4, 2013
Akwantukese Festival of the good people of New Juaben, Koforidua. Depicted are twirling umbrellas, the Ruler of New Juaben, Nana Oti Boateng II borne aloft in a palanquin. -snip- Women dancing with white handkerchiefs can be found throughout this video. There is also a brief clip of the Ruler of New Juaben waving a white handkerchief (around 2:50 in this video). New Juaben is a constituency in the Eastern region of Ghana.
**** Example #2: Akwasidae Festival, ashanti region, kumasi, ghana
voodooalpaca Uploaded on Aug 27, 2010
Akwasidae Festival, ashanti region, kumasi, ghana celebrate with the king!... -snip- Also, notice the scenes of shields being spun, beginning around 3:58 in this video.
**** Example #3: ASHANTI FESTIVAL IN KUMASI,GHANA, 1995. ARRIVAL OF THE JUABENS
Hunter Gatherer Uploaded on Aug 30, 2010
The durbar held by the late King of Ashanti, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, to commemorate his 25th year on the Golden Stool. Shown here is the arrival of the King of Juaben and his people--the Juabens. -snip- Update: December 4, 2015 I think that in African context, a durbar is a festival held to honor royalty.
As somewhat of an aside, notice the large fans that two women hold at around 6:00 of the video. Those fans are similar to fans held by some members of (African American (New Orleans, Louisiana) Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs when they strut during Mardi Gras and other parades. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/05/new-orleans-buck-jumping-information.html for a pancocojams post that features several videos of New Orleans Social Aid And Pleasure Clubs.
**** Example #4: 15th ANNIVERSARY OF OTUMFUO OSEI TUTU II
Nana Wiafe Akenten II, Published on Jun 9, 2014
15th ANNIVERSARY OF OTUMFUO OSEI TUTU II
****
VIDEOS OF NEW ORLEANS SECOND LINE WEDDINGS
Example #1: Bella & Brian New Orleans Wedding: Second Line Parade
brellafarrelly, Uploaded on Mar 29, 2009
Footage of the second line parade from our wedding. Music courtesy of the amazing New Orleans Potholes.
**** Example #2: Jackson 2nd line wedding reception
babyboy478, Uploaded on Jan 16, 2012
We couldn't have the wedding at home in New Orleans so we brought home to Texas... :~)
**** Example #3: Rare Wedding Parade on Decatur Street in the French Quarter New Orleans
tazjazzman, Published on May 11, 2014
Saturday afternoon May 10th a rare wedding parade occurred on Decatur street in the French Quarter of New Orleans Louisiana. The parade had the bride and groom holding umbrellas, followed by a six piece traditional jazz band dressed in white, then followed by the wedding party waiving white handkerchiefs with some wearing Mardi Gras masks. Many onlookers enjoyed the parade, taking pictures and waving and even a few joining it. The wedding parade was video taped outside of the Gazebo Cafe and ended at Jackson square. The chess master who gives lessons on the game of chess you see in the video said that he has not seen a wedding going down Decatur Street for at least 5 years. -snip- Here's a comment from that video's discussion thread Casey Jarvis, 2014 "I"m the bride in this video. Thank you so much for posting this! I want to give a shout out to Free Agents Brass Band who did an incredible job."
****
Here's the only comment for that 2015 pancocojams post:
According to sources quoted in the Wikipedia article about second line (parades), "Some scholars believe that second lining has its origins in traditional West African circle dances, where children formed a periphery circle outside the main circle of adult dancers. The dance was brought by slaves to New Orleans, where it became incorporated into processions, such as funerals, forcing the ring to straighten into a line.[2] Others note the similarity of the steps – exaggerated, loosely coordinated strutting – to dances performed in Congo Square by the enslaved given the day off on Sundays. These dances were officially banned for a time because they were deemed threatening to the white inhabitants of the city, and their resurgence in second lining suggests a similar celebration of individual freedom.[3]".https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_line_(parades) (retrieved December 4, 2015
Richard Brent Turner (11 August 2009). Jazz religion, the second line, and Black New Orleans. Indiana University Press. p. 108. ISBN 978-0-253-22120-9. Retrieved 30 October 2011. 3.Jump up ^ Roger D. Abrahams (2006). Blues for New Orleans: Mardi Gras and America's Creole soul. University of Pennsylvania Press. pp. 31–2. ISBN 978-0-8122-3959-1. Retrieved 30 October 2011. -snip- However, as can be shown by the Ghanaian videos embedded in this post, processional movements are traditional in Ghana and elsewhere in West Africa and Central Africa (where most Africans enslaved in the United States came from). Some of those processions were for funerals and some were for festivals and other special occasions. For that reason, it seems to me that there's no need for the theory cited above that New Orleans, Louisiana second lines "has its origins in traditional West African circle dances, where children formed a periphery circle outside the main circle of adult dancers."
Also, the dance/strut that is characteristic to second lining doesn't necessarily have the same source or sources as the custom of waving white handkerchiefs and twirling umbrellas or parasols.
This is a reprint of a 2023 pancocojams post that showcased this YouTube video of Phila Mpofu as lead singer for the song "Bawo Ndiyabonga". The title for this song appears to most often be given as "Ndikhokhele Bawo" or "Bawo". The English translation for "Ndikhokhele Bawo is "Lead Me Father".
This pancocojams post showcases a YouTube video of this traditional isiXhosa hymn. This rendition of that song occurred during morning assembly by the Motherwell Center in Soqhayisa, South Africa. The isiXhosa lyrics of this song are included in this pancocojams post along with their English translations. This post also presents a few comments from the discussion threads for a few comments from the discussion thread for two no longer available videos of Phila Mpofu singing lead for this song.
This pancocojams post also includes the visitor comments and my replies that were published for this 2023 pancocojams post on this song.
I plan to publish another pancocojams post of this video which will feature this same video as well as selected comments from its discussion thread from that video's publishing date on YouTube to the year that I publish that pancocojams post. The link to that post will be added here.
The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composer/s of this song and thanks to Phila Mpofu and all those who are featured in these videos. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post. -snip- Clickhttps://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2024/03/south-african-schools-morning-assembly.htmlfor Part I of a five part pancocojams series on South African schools morning assembly songs. Some of the videos in those posts are no longer available. However, Part I of that five part series originally showcased one of the now deleted short videos of "Bawo" led by Phila Mpofu and therefore includes some comments that I had previously retrieved from that now deleted video's discussion thread.
**** PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE ABOUT THIS POST This post is a copy of a 2023 pancocojams post entitled "Three Examples Of The South African Gospel Song "Ndikhokhele Bawo" ("Bawo") As Sung By Phila Mpofu And Other School Students."
If I remember correctly, the other two videos showed Phila Mpofu leading other students in renditions of this song during school or after-school.
The video that was #2 in the 2023 pancocojams post appeared to be the earliest published video example of a rendition of "Bawo" led Phila Mpofu that was found online as of Feb. 25, 2024. Some of these renditions may have occurred on different days. Unfortunately, the first video of that song that is given above is the only one that still remains on YouTube. I had shared a few of those comments in the 2023 pancocojams post that was the original version of this 2026 post. Those comments are included in this 2026 post and I've deleted that post so that it wouldn't be confused with this updated post.
** Phila Mpofu is the lead singer for this South African high school's morning assembly rendition of the traditional isiXhosa hymn "Ndikhokhele Bawo". The name and location of that school is "Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School" in Motherwell township, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. -snip- Here's the summary of the first published video of this school's morning assembly rendition of "Bawo" that was published by Luthando Makanda: "This video was taken on the 12 March 2023 at the Motherwell Center in Soqhayisa where we teach Grade 10 to 12s Mathematics and Science." -end of quote- Luthando Makanda eventually changed his screen name to "South African School Assembly Music+Gwijo". By at least August 2024, the YouTube account under that name had been closed. Of course, no reason was given for that action. I'm sorry about that, but I'm relieved that Phila Mpofu's video of "Ndikhokhele Bawo" remains on YouTube. I'm also glad that the video that remains includes the girl in the front moving in a stepping-like routine while she and others sing that powerful, beaautiful song.
****
ONLINE DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SONG "NDIKHOKHELE BAWO" These quotes are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
Four-part harmony using soprano, alto, tenor and bass is a common scoring in classical music,[1][2][3][4] including chorales and most Bach cantatas.[5]"
**** Quote #2 From https://arsingers.org/ndikhokhele-bawo/ "NDIKHOKHELE BAWO, October 23, 2020 "Ndikhokhele Bawo” – arr. Michael Barrett "The text of Ndikhokhele Bawo comes from Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” and is in the Xhosa language. This Bantu language falls into the category of Nguni languages, the same umbrella that contains Zulu; Xhosa is one of the most widely spoken languages in South Africa"
The Lorenz Corporation, Jan 29, 2019 "This authentic setting of a cherished isiXhosa folk song…"
**** THE EARLIEST YOUTUBE EXAMPLE OF THIS SONG There are multiple versions of "Ndikhokhele Bawo" on YouTube.
The earliest version of "Ndikhokhele Bawo" that I have found on YouTube is Mzansi Youth Choir, Jul 27, 2011, Producer, arranger and Conductor: Ralf Schmitt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioM2migkXiA
Ndikhokhele Bawo, zundi kokhele (Lead me oh Father [Lead me]) Ndikhokhele mmeli wami (Lead me my savior) Ezintsizini, Zalomhlaba Bawo (in all the sorrows of this world Father) (Bawo, Bawo, Bawo) ( Father, Father, Father) Bawo ndiyabonga (Father I thank you) Ngoba wena usandigcinile (for you still protect/keep me) (Repeat)
Thaluthele thuze kwami (You calm all my fears) x2 (Bawo, bawo, bawo) ( Father, Father, Father) Bawo ndiyabonga (Father I thank you) Ngoba wena usandigcinile (for you still protect me)
Mmeli wami bawo uthaluthele thuze kwami (Father, Savior, you calm my fears) Bawo ndiyabonga (Father I thank you) Ngoba wena usandigcinile (for you still protect me) (Repeat)
SELECTED YOUTUBE DISCUSSION THREAD COMMENTS FROM TWO DISCUSSION THREADS FOR TWO YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT "BAWO" AS LED BY PHILA MPOFU
Numbers are given for referencing purposes only.
Pancocojams Editor's Note: Feb. 25, 2024- The video that is given at the top of this post isn't the original video that was uploaded on YouTube of this school's students singing that song.
The YouTube video that was originally given in this post that was given here as VIDEO #2 is no longer available. That video's title was entitled "ZundiKhokhele, Bawo Ngiyabonga, Usandigcinile (Female Leading Voice, Amazing)#worshipsong#school" and was published by in 2023 by Luthando Makanda whose online name is now "South African School Assembly Music+Gwijo".
When a YouTube video is deleted, the comments in its discussion thread are also deleted. Fortunately, I had retrieved some of the comments from that video and posted them to that 2023 pancocojams discussion thread before that YouTube video was deleted.
1. @luthandomakanda9180, 2023 "This version is the probably the best unplanned unorchestrated version ever. GLAD YOU could stop in and hear it. I HAVE THE SUBTITLED version of the song on the channel incase you want to get the English meaning"
** 2.@moafrika8789, 2023 "That African reflex of having a dance and step to go with even the simplest of our songs is what makes us undeniably blessed as Africans."
** Reply 3. @luthandomakanda9180, 2023 "One of the African Phenomenas of our time, would you say it's worthy of study and research in our Higher Institutions of Learning"
** 4. @sketemamma2563, 2023 "This gives me such chills. Not only is the lead singer immensely talented but the rest of the girls match her in their enthusiasm and energy. I love the way that girl in the front row is really feeling it. ๐ I went to school in Zimbabwe and miss these days - the assemblies, the hymns and the overall formality and respect we showed these gatherings. I wish Black kids here in the U.S. could experience this. Am proud of my little sisters. ❤️❤️❤️๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ผ"
** 5. @jamesnjenga813, 2023 "What a way to start the day South Africans have sweet voices they sing sing soo effortlessly loving this from Kenya you guys are the best out choirs can't come close to what you guys can do"
** Reply 6. Luthando Makanda, 2023 "Thank you so much James hope this earns your subscription... and this was just an assembly, as spontaneous as can be"
** 7. @truquetie8149, 2023 "NO MICROPHONE NEEDED! You can still hear her. ❤"
** 8. @keemafleming9051, 2023 "I can listen to this over and over… her voice is so powerful and amazing, it brings me joy, sadness and comfort all at once… keep singing young lady… listening and watching out to see you again singing"
** 9. @rutendokapezi4582, 2023 "When the camera focused on the lead I couldn’t believe it I thought she was on stage . So beautiful I started crying when I saw how calm she was leading with such power and poise ❤❤blessed"
** 10. @aliciamcdonald7105, 2023 "The most amazing voice I have ever heard. NO mic, no auto tune, nothing but PURE UNADULTERATED passion and gifting by the MOST HIGH!"
** 11. @priscillapolakie9684, 2023 "I remember my days every morning at school,,we used to start the day with a prayer,,those were the days ๐"
** Reply 12. @thulisilegumede8060, 2023 "It also reminds me of my childhood days when we used to pray and praise God. I am happy to see that there are still schools which have ‘assemblies’ ❤❤"
** 13. @tiffanybrown5413,2023 "My brother found a clip of this on TikTok this morning and sent it to me. My spirit was IMMEDIATELY moved to tears before I even knew what these babies were singing. The lyrics took me over the top!! ❤๐๐พ๐๐พ You can literally FEEL the presence of the Holy Spirit. I had goosebumps and I have been listening to this song on repeat for the past 2 hours. Thank you so much for sharing this blessing with the rest of the world. Sending you all love from United States (Ohio)๐บ๐ฒ" -snip- Update: Oct. 18, 2023 Here's a comment exchange about this same high school singing another South African Gospel song entitled "Ndizolibonga Elakho Igama" (This explanation also pertains to that high school morning assembly's renditions of "Ndikhokhele Bawo" from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j2lLj2jo5Y
1. @sibongilemncube5374,2023 "Do they rehearse ❤ they sound exceptional. Reminds me of assembly days yhuuuu. The coordination, love the concept of taking assembly time serious and having order which is what the God we serve is about"
** Reply 2. @luthandomakanda9180, 2023 "No they don't rehearse, but a synergy exist because when we have assembly they repeat certain songs allowing many to catch the catch the flow of how a song should be, but often times we get surprised by the spontaneity" -snip- Based on this comment and on another comment exchange in that video's discussion thread or in another discussion thread of a video that Luthando Makanda published about those high school students singing "Ndikhokhele Bawo", Luthando Makanda is a teacher at that high school.
**** Selected Comments from the video given as Video #2 in this post [This video is no longer available on YouTube.]
1.@zuripenda, 2023
"So wonderful, those strong powerful voices and you know the dance moves me.
Thankful as always
Please greet them for me.
๐น๐น๐น๐น๐น๐น"
** Reply 2. @schoolassembly_gwijo,2023 "Thank you so much will pass on the greetings"
** 3. @bthompson2192, 2023 "What a way to start the school day! We should all follow this everywhere in all schools. Just Beautiful"
** Reply 4. @reginaldsmith1556,2023 "Agree"
** Reply 5. @schoolassembly_gwijo, 2023 "It really is, and it gets us learners and Educators excited to get the day going."
** 6. @uchennaorinya5701, 2023 "What's the title of this song? I want to download it."
** Reply 7. @schoolassembly_gwijo, 2023 "This a Medley that the kids in our school just randomly sang on the spot"
** 8. @EmmahTendai-qt2ch,2023 "Wow️..
Which school is this."
** Reply 9. @schoolassembly_gwijo,2023 "It's at the premises of Soqhayisa but congregating various schools who are part of the ProMaths Kutlwanong Initiative to better Maths and Science in previously disadvantaged learners in Motherweฤบl Gqeberha'
** 10. @perpsabraham6734,2023 "Which school is this kindly?"
** Reply 11. @schoolassembly_gwijo, 2023 "Combination of schools in Motherwell, but we using the premises of a school Called Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School."
** Reply 12. @sanelisiwemabaso8196, 2023 "This explains the two set of uniforms showing.... Beautifully sang, reminds me of my school days"
** Reply 13. @elizabethmoniloye2829,2023 "I don't understand a single word but I love this song and the way it's sang and the dance steps"
** 14. @valentinemuziomhle5492, 2023 "I'm so touched this is what was supposed to be kept in schools unfortunately they've cancelled assembly time for what only God knows but keep this up it's so nice to start the day with this wonderful mood it makes a learner to even forget what happened at at home before living this is so lovely"
** Reply 15. @schoolassembly_gwijo, 2023 "Thank you so much @valentinemuziomuhle5492
we stay ever encouraged to continue as a movement this side to ensure that this inspiring tradition never fades, and you correct it directs the focus and attention of our Learners and they are able to aspire and reach for greater heights"
**** COMMENTS FROM THE 2023 PANCOCOJAMS DISCUSSION THREAD
Zanese, greetings to you. Thanks for your comment which prompted me to visit this pancocojams post. I see that the videos given as #2 and #3 aren't available on YouTube because the YouTube account for Luthando Makanda ( South African School Assembly Music+Gwijo") Ihas been closed.
I'm sorry that has happened. I wish Luthando Makanda well and thank him for introducing the Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School singers to the rest of the world.
That goodness that Phila Mpofu's YouTube account is still open although it doesn't appear to be very active. Phila Mpofu is the student whose singing is highlighted in that "Ndikhokhele Bawo song.
Here's a link to a video of the song Ndikhokhele Bawo as sung at Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njtzubIVwt0 South Africa School Kids Sing Bawo. (FULL VERSION) published by Chef Allen Maddox, December 11, 2023
I shared that link for the historical and cultural record. I;m a subscriber of both these channels .However, I particularly encourage people to support the channel of this extraordinary soloist Phila Mpofu.
I jus happened upon this comment about Beyonce's newly released song "Break My Soul" that mentions "popping fans" (The comment is in the discussion thread for a Reaction vlog for that song)
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgLQHrzOHn8
Vemon Cloudz, June 23, 2022
"I love this direction Motha Beyonce is heading towards. I felt motivated and i do pop my fan as i listen to this".
-snip-
The vlogger Zach Campbell is LGBTQ. I wonder - Did popping fans come from LGBTQ cultures and was then picked up by Black (Soul) line dancing by Black females (the same as so many other Gay/drag lingo/dances etc)?