HOW TO GET MARRIED IN MOROCCO
Morocco is a country that holds a distinguishable culture. Over the years,
many dynasties planted their legacy and culture in the roots of this country.
In the field of celebrations especially weddings, the Moroccan culture is
diverse in its different weddings that take place in several places in the
country. In order to explore one of the most significant and old cultures, we
will shed the light on Ait Khebbach tribe wedding ceremony .The cultural
heritage varies from region to region. Actually, every tribe has got its own
traditions and customs. In this blog, we will shed the light on the south
eastern traditions. Exactly in the Sahara Desert, Ait Khebbach tribe
celebrates its wedding ceremonies in a unique and outstanding way. If
you’re planning to get married in Morocco or you’re attending a wedding
ceremony in the Sahara Desert. It’s helpful to know what to expect.
Over the years numerous couples from all over the years chose Morocco as
a destination for marriage. Especially, the Sahara Desert of Merzouga,
where they can enjoy magnificent views and special traditions.
Marriage
Unlike the west, most of the regions in Morocco do not celebrate
marriage on the first day. This is because the groom and the bride sign their
official marriage and families start the arrangements. The celebration of a
traditional wedding takes three days to fulfill and maintain the cultural
values and of Ait Khebbach tribe. The small details and activities reflect the
group identity, traditions and customs of the region. The activities focus on
the bride, reflecting the appreciation of this tribe over the female. Also
because the woman in this tribe is the responsibility to preserve and holding the
artistic symbols that characterizes this identity.
The first day of the wedding
The wedding starts when the bride, her family and the ‘Isnain’ arrive to the
bridal tent outside the groom’s house. The ‘Isnain’ are three men
appointed by the groom to transfer the bride and her family. Today the
Isnain accompany the bride to her husband’s house by a car. However, to
keep their connection into their nomadic past, the bride rides a camel to
the bridal tent. Also, on the camel a small boy whose name should be
Mohamed sits behind the bride. This is a presentation of wishes for the
bride’s fertility and hope that she will have many. The men and women of
the village warmly welcome the bride with traditional songs. They also
together participate in a game in which men jokingly try to steal items from
the bride’s mount. The references to the bride as someone with peace,
good fortune and dignity equate the bride with prosperity. This suggests
that her family has a certain level of prestige.
In contrast, during this entire event one of the ‘Isnain’ confines the groom
to a tent nearby. While waiting for his meeting to the bride at nightfall, his
friends and relatives congratulate him. Afterwards, the bride settles in her
new home and drinks milk which indicates a bright and lucky future
“white”. The family of the groom welcomes her and with her family with a
brazier filled with burning charcoal to create a sweet smoke. After these
celebrations, one of the women accompanies her to where her husband
stays to consummate the marriage.
The second day
The second day is usually the most festive day because the bride’s virginity
is proven and marriage is consummated. Early in the morning, the bride
redresses her red headdress, white clothing, and silver jewelry. The groom
as well dresses his white ‘ Jellaba’, yellow slippers and white turban
wrapped around his head. The family of the bride accompanies their
daughter and the ‘Isnain’ escort the groom to the meeting point. Usually at
midday, it is where the groom sacrifices a white strong sheep. Huge
numbers of people attend this event because they believe it’s the most
important in the wedding. After the sacrifice, men and women gather in a
team led by the couple and play the famous ‘Ahidous’ dance.
The last day
The third day of the wedding celebrates the bride on her way to her new
family and home. Women of both families prink the bride with traditional
products like orange saffron which she puts on her face. Also, they together
sing for her demonstrating female solidarity across family lines. As a result,
the anticipation of the crowd to finally catch a glimpse of the bride’s face
increases. Because this is the first time the crowd will see her face publicly.
The three days wedding ceremony ends with the entire audience joining
the bride in the performance of ‘Amidoul’ dance. It is a collective dance
performed on the last day of the wedding at sunset. Depending on the
area, most of villages in Merzouga Desert uncover the bride’s face on this
dance. Others put it a thin white cloth to cover her face so that the
unrelated men cannot see her face.
Finally, the conclusion of the wedding is the day after marriage festivities.
Small number of women and small children accompany the bride to a canal,
river, lake, a water source or just a tube of water if there isn’t any. She
throws the almonds into the ground or any water source. The small
children quickly jump to catch the almonds and the rest float away to
become seeds for future almond trees. The almonds are symbols of the
offspring that are expected to result from their relationship. Eventually, the
visitors and her family leave for their home and the bride removes her
special clothes. She joins her new family and start to help them reorganize
the house after three busy days.
Honeymoon in Morocco
The idea of a honeymoon is usually connected to the sea, relaxing in the
beach and watching the sunset. Thinking outside the box may result in
different outcomes. In this blog following the marriage in Morocco, we will
offer you the best ideas and plans. Morocco is the kingdom of different
climate and terrain. It is home for amazing beaches, majestic mountains,
green forests, golden sand dunes and traditional old buildings. In this
article, we will focus on the desert and how Romance could be in the heart
of the desert.
The Sahara Desert has recently gained more significance by couples who
aim to have different romantic moments. In a quiet atmosphere in the
middle of the sand dunes, there are sporting chances to fully enjoy the
honeymoon. Our different flexible services in the Sahara Desert will make
sure you enjoy every moment.
One of the most unforgettable experiences you will ever have is riding
camels in the desert. Alongside with your partner, you will ride the camels
for a magical trek under the foothills of the Sahara Desert. It doesn’t get
more romantic when watch the fascinating views of the dunes while the
sun is setting. On the way, you can stop as much as you want to take
memorable photos and marvel at spectacular scenes. You can stop and
climb to the top of a dune to have a panoramic view of a desert sunset. The
coulours change occasionally as the shadows of the dunes move when the
sun slowly sinks in the horizon. After these fantastic moments you will
arrive to the camp where the hosts warmly welcome you to spend this
night.
Overnight in a luxury camp:
The hosts will cheerfully welcome you with mint tea and some cookies
before they escort you to your private tent. The luxury private tent is fullyequipped to provide a special romantic desert camping experience. The
most romantic part comes after settling in your tent. In a quiet desert
atmosphere, the hosts will serve you a private candlelight dinner in the
middle of the dunes. Over a campfire after dinner, you can enjoy Berber
drums music to make your stay unforgettable. You can also ascend a dune
to have a clear sight of Milky Way. In a clear desert night, you can clearly
see the sparkling sky shines with billions of glistening stars. It is indeed one
of the best opportunities to take memorable photos for a perfect
honeymoon. After a relaxing night in your private tent, you can wake up
early morning for a magical desert sunrise. In a desert morning breeze, you
will have a romantic breakfast in the golden sand dunes of Sahara Desert.
Note that the itinerary we provided is flexible and changeable. For a
marriage or honeymoon experience, we can elaborately customize a
convenient plan that fits your requirements.
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