Moroccan marriage is a wonderful blend of ancient customs and traditions that reflect the country’s rich cultural identity. Marriage traditions in Morocco span several stages, from the engagement, through the lavish wedding ceremony, to the customs they do after the wedding.
Marriage traditions in Morocco
If you are wondering about Moroccan traditional wedding and the formalities of marriage in Morocco, then marriage in Morocco is a unique experience for all participants, guests, bride and groom, and families. The institution of marriage is highly valued in Islamic tradition, and therefore a Moroccan wedding is a very important event.
A wedding is a celebration of love between a couple, an expression of the unification of two families and an honoring of traditions. This reflects the fact that Moroccan weddings often last for three days, and some may extend to seven days.
Regarding Marriage customs in Morocco before the wedding day, there is a “Dreeb Sedak” day, on the first day the guests enjoy a Moroccan bath, on the second day they celebrate the henna ceremony, and on the third day the ceremony itself comes.
Moroccan prewedding traditions
The traditions begin with the engagement stage. The groom, accompanied by his family, visits the bride’s home to formally ask for her hand from her family. This first meeting between the two families is a symbolic and important step, during which the details of the marriage are agreed upon, such as the wedding date, the costs of the celebrations, and the dowry. During this stage, the groom also presents his bride with luxurious gifts, including jewelry and traditional clothing, as a sign of his seriousness and desire to honor her.
After agreeing on marriage, the date of the marriage contract and ceremony is set. During this period, the bride undergoes several rituals, including the bridal bath, where women gather in a traditional bath, and the bride undergoes a spiritual and physical cleansing session using local soap and Moroccan clay.
Choosing a wedding venue
Choosing a wedding venue is one of the most important stages of wedding planning. Moroccan families choose a venue based on the number of guests and the social status of the bride and groom. Some families prefer to hold the ceremony at home in a family atmosphere, while others resort to luxurious wedding halls or upscale hotels.
On the big day, guests are welcomed upon arrival with traditional Moroccan tea and sweets. When the bride enters the hall, she is accompanied by the Nakaffat, who are responsible for organizing the bride’s appearance and changing her clothes during the ceremony.
Moroccan wedding ceremony traditions
Many people wonder what are the Moroccan wedding traditions? A Moroccan wedding is a huge festive event that lasts for several days. On the first day, the bride is transported to her husband’s home in a festive procession known as the “Haddah”, where she is carried in an ornate litter called the “Ammaria” amidst ululations and traditional music.
They hold a henna party the night before the wedding, where henna is drawn on the bride’s hands and feet in beautiful designs that symbolize good luck and protection from evil eye. The groom also wears traditional clothing such as the jellaba and the balgha.
During the ceremony, the bride changes her clothes several times, wearing the Moroccan “takchita” in different colors, expressing the cultural diversity of the Kingdom. They serve traditional drinks such as Moroccan mint tea, in addition to famous Moroccan dishes.
Traditional Moroccan wedding garments
Traditional costumes play a prominent role in marriage traditions in Morocco, with the bride wearing a variety of luxurious takchitas and kaftans, hand-embroidered with bright colors and gold threads. The groom wears a djellaba, but in modern times, some grooms prefer to wear a classic suit.
Moroccan traditional wedding food, drinks and desserts
The cuisine is distinguished by its diversity, and Moroccan weddings include a long list of delicious dishes, such as: Moroccan tagine, royal couscous, Moroccan bastilla, and traditional sweets.
Moroccan postwedding traditions
After the ceremony, the bride and groom receive visitors in their new home on the morning of the wedding, where family and friends come to congratulate them and offer gifts.
Inclusion of male traditions
Traditions are not limited to women only, men also participate in the wedding ceremonies, starting from accompanying the groom in the traditional Moroccan hammam, all the way to the gift ceremony.
Who is in the wedding party
A Moroccan wedding includes a group of people, such as:
- The bridegroom, who is responsible for preparing the bride and changing her clothes.
- Family members who organize the party.
- Musicians and folklore groups that enliven the evening.
What to wear to a Moroccan wedding
Women wear the caftan or takchita, while men wear the djellaba or formal suit with the Moroccan fez.
Guest etiquette
When attending a marriage ceremony in Morocco, it is important to respect customs such as:
- Wear modest and elegant clothing, out of respect for the sanctity of the occasion.
- Congratulating the bride and groom and giving small gifts to their families
- Avoid leaving the party before dinner.
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People also ask
What are the rules for marriage in Morocco?
Marriage in Morocco requires official documentation, as the bride and groom must submit official documents including a passport, a certificate of celibacy, and a certificate of conversion to Islam if one of them is not Muslim.
What is the marriage system in Morocco?
Marriage in Morocco is conducted in accordance with the provisions of Islamic Sharia and Moroccan law. It includes a marriage contract that is documented by two official notaries.
Who pays for a wedding in Moroccan culture?
Typically, the groom bears most of the costs, including the dowry, gifts, and wedding preparations. The bride’s family contributes to some aspects such as furnishing the home.
Marriage traditions in Morocco It is a reflection of the Moroccan identity, rich in cultural diversity and ancient traditions. From the engagement to the wedding night, the bride and groom live an experience full of joyful celebrations.
