I think it's worth noting that ululation has been a traditional expression of sincere grief and mourning since ancient times.

These days it's mostly associated with the middle east - you can usually see examples of it whenever there's been any sort of death, As if that's a rare occurrence in that part of the world :(.

Usually it's women, walking through the streets ululating.

Personally, I think it's a much more honest, sincere and basic means of expressing grief than the complex funeral rituals we have here in the west.

Also interestingly, some people seem to be able to ululate more easily than others. For instance I'm of largely lebanese descent and I seem to be able to do it without a problem, whereas some friends with European ancestry had a much harder time.

Ul`u*la"tion (?), n. [L. ululatio.]

A howling, as of a dog or wolf; a wailing.

He may fright others with his ululation. Wither.

 

© Webster 1913.

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