Posts Tagged ‘Berber’

Moroccan Doors of Essaouira, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

Canary yellow and Majorelle Blue Door, Essaouira

The magic of Morocco is found in many places and one of them is in the hand painted doors of Essaouira. To travel inside Morocco is to visit this vast country one door at a time. Moroccan doors in Essaouira are ordained with Moorish style motifs, chamsa door knockers and painted in a variety of hues such as in Majorelle blue and canary yellow. Doors in Morocco are a gateway to another world and bare emblem of history along with the secret lives in a Moroccan home. Made of wood, metal and plaster Moroccan doors are a photographers dream as they make for the perfect subject matter.

Spanish-Mororish Door in Essaouira

Many of the designs on Moroccan doors’ geometrical Moorish and Jewish motifs evoke centuries of history. Moroccans of both Muslim and Jewish decent have lived peacefully together for decades therefore cities like Essaouira, Fes and Marrakech have hallmarks on their doors that range from unique patterns to Jewish stars and are often dated. The doors of Morocco bare both the Moorish and Jewish influence and this can be found especially in Morocco’s Jewish mellahs.

Door with Jewish Star, Essaouira

Essaouira has a long and rich history which dates back to the 16th century when it was discovered by the Portuguese who named it “Mogador.” The Berber name “Mogador” means wall, a reference to the fortress walls that originally enclosed the city. Essaouira was built during the 18th century. Mohammed III decided to oriented the Kingdom of Morocco for change and trade with Europe andchose Mogador as the key location. One of his objectives was to establish a harbour at the closest possible point from the Imperial city of Marrakech. The other was to cut off trade from Agadir in the south. This resulted in the inahabitants of Agadir being forced to relocate to Essaouira.

For 12 years, Mohammed III oversaw a French engineer, Theodore Cornut and several other European architects who built the fortress and city along modern lines. Originally called “Souira,” the small fortress, then became “Es-Saouira”, the beautifully designed.”  Part of those designs remain today in the architecture of the doors found in the old medina.

Blue & Stone Door in Essaouira, 1336

Moroccan architecture is an eclectic, even cosmopolitan cultural blend that reflects its long and rich history. Morocco’s indigenous people are the Berbers, who farmed the land from at least 2000 BC. Subsequent rulers and invaders included Arabians, the Spanish, the Portuguese and in recent, colonial times, French occupiers. Morocco was declared a French protectorate in 1912, the same year as the painted Henry Matisse came to the Maghreb.

Door knocker with Chamsa, Essaouira

The Hispano-Moorish architectural style of Morocco’s doors originated in Spain (in Andalusia), and was taken across the Straits of Gibraltar to Morocco at the behest of the ruling Berber Almoravid dynasty. The Almoravids sent Spanish artisans to Morocco, where they introduced the graceful arches and lofty domes that, along with white walls and green stucco roofs, have become hallmarks of the Hispano-Moorish style. As a result of people being smaller centuries ago doors were smaller and alleyways narrower. Many of the homes in the medinas (old cities) are over 1,000 years old, and a world of history can be found behind each door.

For more information about the doors of Essaouira in Morocco and Essaouira tours

For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial CitiesSeaside Resorts,Sahara DesertBerber villagesA Taste of MoroccoMagical Kasbahs, Ruins & WaterfallsAbsolute Morocco, The Best of MarrakechFes, and Ouarzazate

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel ExplorationTravel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel.We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Doors of Morocco, Moroccan doors, Doors of Essaouira, Essaouira, Doors of Fes, Doors of Marrakech, Moroccan architecture, Essaouira architecture, Mogador, Moorish architecture, Berber, Almoravid, Hispano-Moorish architecture, Henry Matisse, Morocco Holidays, Morocco Travel, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco

Travel Zagora: Morocco’s Tamagroute Pottery Cooperative

Saturday, April 25th, 2009

lyca-morocco-253

Every day in Morocco potter’s hands mold the burnt orange clay, wheels turn and ceramic bowls bake in the heat. It’s a daily process.

In the villages, woman head down to the river bank to dig the moist clay from the earth. Retracing their steps back home with full woven baskets. A heavy load. The clay drips. Water stains the dry dirt.

Morocco is well known for its wide range of ceramic pottery. The pots are generally used for daily life, a large number are bought by tourists, while others are exported over seas. Pottery also lines the souks, hand painted with fine detail, deep colors and a variety of hand spun designs.

The city of Fes is known for producing high end pottery with an array of colors and sparkling glaze. Tamegroute produces pottery inspired by Fes designs. The kilns of Tamegroute are built into the steep slopes of the countryside. Tamegroute is known for its distinct green and brown glaze.

Tamegroute has been a religious center since the 11th century. The Nasiriyya brotherhood brought the native techniques and green enamel from Fes to Tamegroute, assembling merchants and craftsmen to raise the status of the city.

zagora-tamagroute-pottery

The pottery cooperatives is a great attraction for tourists visiting the Zagora region. Pottery is made and bought on the spot at the cooperatives. Some of the village roofs of Tamegroute and other regions are also tiled with the green ceramic clay. When the sunlight streams down, the green roofs glisten against the stone city.

The green glaze is made from a combination of magnesium and copper. The ceramic pots and dishes with this glaze are waterproof. A trip to the pottery villages is a great way to get inside the local culture of Morocco, to experience some hands on work, and take home a sustainable and “green” souvenir.

Blogs Filed Under:
Travel Morocco’s Pottery Cooperative, Pottery Lessons in Morocco, Morocco, Celebrate Moroccan Pottery, Morocco Travel, Tours to Morocco, Morocco Tourism

 

travel-exploration-signature-logo-link13

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Berber Carpet Weaving Traditions of Morocco

Friday, April 24th, 2009

woman-weaving-berber-carpet

Moroccan carpets are famous around the world. In the West, the tightly woven beige Berber rugs are found in most modern homes, schools and offices. Although these rugs are stain resistant their dark flecks of brown and tan do not compare to the thousands of intricate designs and colors of the traditional Berber carpets of Morocco.

Styles

Traditional Berber carpets contain distinctive patterns and colors and are woven from sheep wool or camel hair (you can also find them made from nylon and olefin material). The materials are hand-washed and naturally dyed from saffron yellow, to wild mint green, and from pomegranate and henna. These carpets are known for their strong geometric designs, and have been dated them as far back as the Merinid era. Carpets in the Middle Atlas generally have a traditional diamond grid.

Climates

The Berber tribes developed a variety of weaves to be adaptable to different climates. The rugs in the mountains have larger loops, are more loosely knotted to provide protection against the cold. In warmer climates the rugs are made with a finer weave. The carpets in the Middle Atlas were used as sleeping mats, and in regions with mild climates knots tend to be 2cm high.

History

Berber weaving is highly dependent on the female culture, and is passed down traditionally within the home. The young apprentice is expected to learn the the different looping techniques, patterns, color ranges and motifs. Historically women wove carpets for their families, and men traditionally produced carpets that were more specialized as professional masterweavers. These inspiring designs have been motivation for more modern carpet fabrication.

Historically carpets where a preferred gift for people in elite social classes and where used to adorn palaces and other sacred places. The more urban carpets have also been used at prayer mats and rugs in the hammam. Travelers who are interested in Berber carpet weaving should check out the Weavers Cooperative, and the Berber Carpet Demonstration, a famous exhibition. Some ancient Haouz rugs are also preserved in museums such as the Dar Batha Museum. These intricate rugs can be purchased from the tribes themselves but also in the winding souks of Fes, Marrakech and Rabat.

traditional-berber-carpet

Haouz

Carpets originating in the hills and plains of the Haouz region do not tend to follow traditional designs or rules. In this region, the weavers stress the freedoms of the individual throughout the composition. The carpets have a distinctive style and are often captivating works of art.

Art Form

The bold colors, in depth patterns and weaving techniques of  different regions have their own distinct style. Each tribe has a signature pattern and commonly unfold a story, revealing acts of ceremony, or designs that often relate to fertility and protection. Like any other type of abstract art, interpretations can be better guided with additional knowledge of the culture, songs and legends.

travel-exploration-signature-logo-link13

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Travel to Rabat’s 14th Jazz Au Chella Jazz Festival – A Moroccan Celebration

Sunday, March 29th, 2009

jazz-festival-rabat-3Last years cries from the violin still echo off the ancient Roman ruins and the night’s faint stars add to the enchanting song. For the last thirteen years Jazz au Chella has made its home in the thick fortified walls of Morocco’s own capital city, Rabat.

The Jazz Festival of Rabat serves as an annual mixer for world classical fusions and ancient Berber rhythms in efforts of uniting Europe with Morocco. The festival is programed and organized from combined efforts from the Delegation of the European Commission, the Ministry of Culture, the Embassies and Cultural Institutes of the European Unions member states with partneerships with the Wallonia-Brussels Delegation and the Wilaya de Rabat-Sale-Zemmour-Zaer.

jazz-festival-rabat

This five day jazz celebration features artists from over 15 different countries each with their own unique flair and specialties. A harmony of talented musicians join together to fill the city with the melodic rhythm of flutes, trumpets, strings and percussion. Crowded streets pulse with energy and spectators join hand and hand as they take part in a cultural exchange.

Rabat

Situated between the Atlantic and the Bou Regreg, Rabat draws cultural influences from across the distant shores. The old port town is also famous for its galleries, museums and theater. The population of Rabat is just over two million, making it one of the largest cities in Morocco. As a city that draws a large amount of tourism, Rabat is a must see for all visiting Morocco, and what better than to watch the city come alive during the Jazz au Chella.jazz-festival-rabat-22

travel-exploration-signature-logo-link13

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Nass El Ghiwane – A Musical Tour De Force & The Rolling Stones of Africa

Friday, March 27th, 2009

Nass-el-Ghiwane

Nass El Ghiwane appeared on the scene in the late 1960’s in Morocco. Whenever mentioned in the Western literature, they are referred to as The Rolling Stones , as American Producer Martin Scorsese  once put it. They have been the most politicized of all the chaabbi-fusion groups and placed great emphasis on their lyrics, which are renowned throughout Morocco and North Africa. 

Nass-el-Ghiwane

History

Nass El Ghiwane are living legends who merged the rich repertoire of traditional Moroccan music with lyrics that sited political and social injustices. The group was formed by four young men from the poor district of Hay el Mohammadi in industrial Casablanca. Laarbi Batma (who came from the Chaouia region to Kariane Jdid) met Boujemaa Hagour (who came from the Tata (Morocco) region to Derb Moulay Cherif) through their mutual friend Omar Essayed.

Nass-el-Ghiwane

While performing the piece “Al Majdoub” in the theater troupe, Tayeb Essidiki, for Parisian crowds in the summer of 1969, they had the idea of using traditional music as a way to express themselves onstage. Hence Nass El Ghiwane was born. In a time where the only music available was middle-eastern pop music that sang about love, Nass el Ghiwane had prepared something new for Morocco: they mixed the Sufi chants and litanies of Zaouias (brotherhoods) like the Hmadcha and Aissawa with the elegant colloquial poetry of Melhoun adding to it the ancient rhythms of the Berbers and the healing dances of the mystical Gnaouas. Morocco just receiving its independence from the French and its population, still uncertain of what the future was hiding, was shocked and moved by the texts of Nass el Ghiwane: corruption, injustice and degradation of society. They were the first Moroccan band to mix such a diverse and rich heritage and to speak their minds even about the most forbidden subjects.

travel-exploration-signature-logo-link13

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Travel The City Of Fes: Explore The Old Medina, Tour The Souks & Discover Morocco’s Ancient Architecture

Friday, March 27th, 2009

Babajoloud

Fès is the fourth largest city in Morocco and also known as one of the ancient imperial cities). It is separated into three parts, Fès el Bali (the old, walled city), Fès -Jdid (new Fes, home of the Mellah), and the Ville Nouvelle (the French-created, newest section of Fes). The Medina of Fès el Bali is believed to be the largest contiguous car-free urban area in the world. To enter the medina, you will pass through the Bab Boujeloud gate, with its decoration of blue and green faiences. You will explore the medina’s narrow streets lined with local shops and stalls of fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other Moroccan handicrafts and home goods. Fès has two main streets, “Rue Talaa Kebira “ and the “Rue Talaa Seghira “ which are utilized as the main throughways when exploring the medina- and the mysterious maze-like streets in between.

Kissaria

The Fès medina is a labyrinth of sloping, winding alleyways are crammed full of stalls and workshops. This area is known as the famed Kissaria -the commercial center. A multitude of locally produced goods are on sale including cotton fabric, silk, brocade work, slippers, and many more. Each district in the Fès Medina produces its own specialty goods: cobalt blue enameled pottery, carpets, wrought iron … one looks on as the dyer stirs his yarns, steeped in their multitude of colors, as the tanner tramples his skins under an open sky -skins that the leather-worker will eventually adorn with fine gilt for book-binding.

Ville Nouvelle

Fès’ Ville Nouvelle is where the major government ministries of Morocco reside. Fès is a city that will impress you with its culture and stimulate your senses with its extraordinary sounds, smells and visual elements. The people of Fès, referred to as Fassis, are most hospitable. Declared a world heritage site by UNESCO Fès is also considered one of the most spiritual and religious cities in Morocco. It has stood at the heart of Moroccan civilization for over five centuries and was a major cultural and intellectual center, competing with those of Europe.  

Fes Architecture

History

Fès, once a small village on the right bank of the river, was founded by Moulay Idriss  in 789. Then in 808 his son, Idriss II built another town, El-Alya (High Town) on the left bank. By allowing Muslim families expelled from Cordoba, Spain and later 300 refuge families from Karaouiyine, Tunisia to use his land as a refuge, Idriss II is responsible for Fès becoming the center of Islamization and Arabization. Fès’ rich cultural history continued in 1145, when the Almohads conquered the city and helped build its prestige to become Morocco’s major economic metropolis. Fès’ development was also influenced by the Merinids who established the Fès El Jdid (new city) and raised Fes to imperial status. Fes’ achievements and prestige made it the apple of every leader’s eye. In no time it was re-conquered by the Alaouities in 1666. However, after Moulay Ismail rejected Fès as his capital, choosing Meknes instead, Fès went into a decline until the early twentieth century when the French established the Protectorate.

Current

Today Fès is a bustling city inhabited by Moroccans and Westerners. A tour of Fès  is an exciting opportunity to learn about its fascinating cultural history, visit ancient landmarks and discover the ancient medina. Fès is also a great base for taking day trips to Meknes, Moulay Idriss and Voubilis/ Walili.

travel-exploration-signature-logo-link13

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Berber Moroccan Singer: Najat Aatabou

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

Najat Aatabou

Najat Aatabou of Berber heritage is a sensational singer who has remained firmly traditional in her use of musical instruments but forward looking in her approach towards chaabi. Aatabou has 25 albums to her name and enjoys immense popularity, in Morocco and also among Moroccan communities abroad. Proud of her Berber heritage, Aatabou uses traditional Berber rhythms and is outspoken in her lyrics which address the inequality between men and woman as well as the injustice of traditional family rules. She also writes beautiful love songs. Aatabou composes her songs in her native language Tashelhit  but then translates them into Arabic or French.

Aatabou’s first release J’em a marre (I am sick of it) sold 450,000 copies. Her second release on cassette, Shouffi Rhirou (Look for Another Lover), and her subsequent releases sold over half a million copies. She is now a huge star throughout the Maghreb  and fills large venues all over Europe. 

 The Chemical Brothers scored a worldwide hit with Calvanize in 2005 with over one million copies sold, which includes Just Tell Me The Truth by Najat Aatabou. Aatabou writes her own songs and tries to sketch a fair picture of Moroccan women while defending their rights with the goal of changing prevailing views and age old perceptions.

 

travel-exploration-signature-logo-link13

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Tour The Rif Mountains in Chefchaouen Morocco

Sunday, March 22nd, 2009

Chefchaouen

Isolated in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen  is one of Morocco’s great treasures. This small mountain village sweeps you away into a state of calm with its color scheme that embraces every imaginable shade of blue. Bold splashes of cobalt, turquoise, teal, white and starlit blue surround each corner and cobbled alley. Dreamlike and peaceful, the days and nights pass slowly in this intriguing city. Chefchaouen offers plenty of time to explore its laid-back Medina (old city), drink mint tea or freshly squeezed orange juice, and watch the world go by from one of the cafes in the main square. 

Chefchaouen is also a great place for long walks and hikes. Must-see destinations include the Central Mosque and the wonderful Kasbah, built by the legendary ruler Moulay Ismail near Place Outa el Hammam in the early 18th century. The Kasbah encloses a quiet garden and houses a small museum of ancient pottery and photographs of the traditional dress of Berber tribes.

Although this lovely haven is less than 100 km from Europe, until 1920 Chefchaouen received only three European guests. It was founded in the 15th century and populated by Jewish and Muslim refugees from the Inquisition in Spain. Isolated until the early 20th century, Chefchaouen has preserved a way of life that flourished in Moorish Spain more than 500 years ago. While the locals are far more reserved then those in larger cities, they are quite friendly and warm. Chefchaouen is one of the main producers of cannabis in Morocco, and the weed is sold all over town. It is essentially legal and smoked by many of the locals, which helps account for this village’s slow pace. It is an intrinsic part of the city life and sold together with herbs, spices and vegetables in the local markets.

During my four-day trip I had an opportunity to explore the Medina in great detail. The entire Medina comes alive in the evening when everybody is shopping or selling goods in the narrow winding streets. On a leisurely stroll throughout the Medina the first thing that caught my eyes was a man selling pigment in shades of blue, yellow, pink and orange. The pigment is the same that is used on the walls of the city. I also saw cobblers hand making the white and yellow fine leather pointed slippers worn by the locals, many beautiful jalabbas sewn with finely embroidered seams and carpenters carving tables and chairs made of fragrant cedar wood. There are beautifully ordained mirrors with hand-painted flowers and a wide variety of furniture displaying delicate Islamic designs.

One of my favorite moments was watching a Berber weaver at his loom producing a local style of red and white blanket. I also felt nostalgic as I secretly caught a glimpse of women washing laundry in an area which resembled a Japanese garden. It was filled with a variety of stones and pebbles as well as miniature white open structures surrounded by a number of wide stairs that led to a dam.

For a panoramic view, you can hike to the top of Chefchaouen and, as you glide along the small streets, peer downward in search of the stone-carved Hand of Fatima that seems to reappear again and again throughout. 

PLACES TO STAY
Casa Hassan 22 rue Targhi, Chefchaouen. There are seven individually decorated rooms with en-suite bathrooms and an excellent restaurant; it is a gem. Phone: 212 (0)39 98 61 53 Fax:+212 (0)39 98 81 96 ($60-$100 a day for dinner, bed and breakfast. 

The Casbah Operates as a pension and restaurant located north of the main gate of the Medina. ($10 for a single & $20 for a double) 

Dar Terrae Av Hassan I, 070-75-86-87 


PLACES TO EAT 

Restaurant Aladin at Casa Hassan (which also houses an art gallery. A three-course menu will run you $6.00.) 

Patisserie Magou Excellent French croissants and pain au chocolat. Located outside the Medina just below the gate to Bab el Ain. 

Restaurant Alladin, Zenkat el Targui. 

Restaurant el Baraka Rue Sidi Salem 

TRANSPORTATION 

Chefchaouen can be reached by bus or a taxi from Tetuan and Fez. The bus station is at the lower edge of the town, a half-hour uphill walk to the Medina.

travel-exploration-signature-logo-link13

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Moroccan Wedding Tour- A Travler’s Must See

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

 

Berber Wedding Imichil

The entire village seems to be buzzing with excitement as you follow your friend Fatima through the narrow winding roads and towards the beating drums that are getting louder with every step. Finally, as you turn the last corner you find yourself in front of a huge tent, brightly lit from the inside with lanterns and candles and filled with the sounds of people singing, dancing, and drums playing. Fatima grabs your hand and pulls you through the crowd and into the tent and you can’t help but to gasp in amazement. The inside of the tent has been swathed in silks of every imaginable shade of red, pink, and orange, from the ceilings hang ornate lanterns with flickering candles that seem to bring the very tent to life, silk and velvet cushions line the floor around tables piled with enough food to satisfy a king. Platters piled high with lamb, chicken, and vegetable kabobs, huge bowls overflowing with pungent saffron couscous, large steaming tagines full of chicken and lamb stews, and large plates piled high with honey covered dates and sticky pastries. Fatima looks at you and gives you a knowing smile, she told you Moroccan weddings were impressive, and this, she had explained, was only the last of a whole week of festivities and celebrations…

 

Traditional Moroccan weddings are elaborate and often quite expensive celebrations that typically begin seven days before the actual wedding ceremony. According to tradition, the parents of the groom would choose a bride for their son and would send a dowry to the bride in the form of household items and furniture. If the groom’s parents were very wealthy they might also send gold jewelry, cloth, and perfume to the bride.

 

Five days before the wedding ceremony the Furniture Party ceremony takes place. This “party” focuses on preparing the bride and groom’s new home. Members of the bride’s party, primarily women, deliver handmade blankets, a mattress, carpets, Moroccan couches and other necessary furniture.

 

Before the final Henna or Beberiska ceremony, the bride is given a milk bath by her nagaffa, or female attendants, in order to purify her. These female attendants are usually older married women, female friends, and relatives. After the bath the bride’s nagaffa help to beautify the bride by dressing her in an elaborately decorated kaftan, adorning her with jewels, and darkening her eyes with kohl, which is like a thick dark eyeliner.

 

Once the bride has been beautified her and her nagaffa take part in the Beberiska ceremony the night before the wedding. The hands and feet of the bride and her party are painted with henna to ward off illness and the evil eye. The bride’s henna is usually more elaborate and certain shapes and symbols meant to ward off the evil eye, bring good luck, and increase fertility are drawn. After the henna has been completed the older married women take the bride off to the side and explain to her the “secrets” of marriage.

 

After all of the pre-wedding ceremonies have been completed the female relatives and friends of the bride gather to prepare an extensive feast for the wedding day, enough food is always made to compensate for any unexpected guests who may arrive. Traditionally, the bride and groom would celebrate the marriage in separate places before the groom, accompanied by singing and dancing male friends and relatives would make his way to his bride. The groom would then be lifted up onto the shoulders of his friends, the bride would be lifted on a circular cushion or table, and they would both be carried to the bridal chamber for some private time. The two would then journey to their new home together and the bride would circle her home three times before finally stepping inside with her new husband.

 

While many of the old traditions are held sacred and still respected in Morocco some traditions, such as the milk bath and furniture party, are rarely followed in more modern areas. Despite the changes over time Moroccan weddings are still a festivity full of food, drumming, dancing, and merriment.

travel-exploration-signature-logo-link13

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.