Morocco's Traditions

Welcome today to Moroccans Traditions

Traditions

The rich culture and diversity of Morocco is reflected in every inch of the vibrant nation that trade frantically and enthusiastically in the bustling streets as songs of worship ring out overhead. These people have a long and fascinating heritage and though they've slowly started to embrace the modernizing of their world; there is a sort of captivated timelessness which still hangs over them all. 

                                       

Moroccan Folklore is extremely diverse and equally fascinating. In fact to say that it is diverse is a massive understatement. The folklore varies in different areas , tribes , even from one language to another, the folklore traditions are as plentiful as the people themselves. 

Souks (Market) are a way of life in Morocco and you usually wont have to go far to find one. You can often get good bargains here, but remember that most Moroccans will have a lot more experience than you will when it comes to haggling the price so you will seldom find yourself able to get better than that which is offered. 

If you are invited to a meal, it is good to keep in mind some of the local customs. For example, you will usually take off your shoes when entering a house. It is a good idea to take a gift of some sort with. If you are in a home in the city, you might take some pastries or some sugar with you. If you are in the county, it would be better to buy a live chicken for the household which is likely to not be quite so well off. 

Morocco festivals and events play major role in the colorful culture of Morocco.

Green Tea with mint is a moroccan tradition of hospitality
made by steeping green tea with mint leaves, is very popular, and many Moroccans drink it several times throughout the day and evening. Moroccans are famous for their hospitality, and it is Moroccan etiquette to offer tea to any visitors that might stop by.

Festivals 

In the month of February, Moroccans celebrate Aid Al Adha or Aid el-Khebir. This Morocco festival is celebrated in the honor of Abraham's sacrifice. A commemoration feast is also held during this festival. Fatih Mouharam is an immensely popular Moroccan festival and event. It is the Islamic New Year and is usually celebrated in the month of March.
In order to honor the coronation of King Mohammad VI, a national holiday is observed. This popular Morocco festival and event is known as Aid el Arch. 
Another immensely popular Morocco festival is Fez. It is the annual music festival, where musicians from all over the world take active participation. If you want to enjoy this festival then you must book in advance.


Art
People express themselves in carpets,clothing, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, painting, carving, and calligraphy.

Music

Morocco's music reflects the richness of its diversity and echoes its present and past history. Andalusian music, is a blend of Arab and Spanish music that is called El-Ala and is considered to be Morocco's classical music. It makes use of many musical instruments such as the violin, lute and many others. Performers are mostly men who are dressed in traditional clothing. Moroccans usually listen to Andalusian music during religious ceremonies.

The second type of music is Berber music. Each one of the three different Berber regions in Morocco possesses their own language and Berber rhythms. The main instruments of Berber music are the round drum - or Bendir - and the banjo. One of the more notable changes is the presence of ore and more women performing it.

Another type of Moroccan music is Rai. With its origins in Algeria and mostly played in the eastern region, especially the city of Oujda.

Chaabi is probably considered pop music since it is indeed the most popular music. It can be heard at weddings and other festive occasions. Don't miss the Gnawa festival in the city of Essaouira in June. The main instruments are the double-headed drum - or tbal - and metal cstanets or qerqbat. It also can be heard mixed with different musical styles such as Jazz.

Culture

You can often get good bargains at Souks (Markets), but remember that most Moroccans will have a lot more experience than you will when it comes to haggling the price.

If you are invited to a meal, it is good to keep in mind some of the local customs. For example, you will usually take off your shoes when entering a house. You can follow our host's example in this regards. Also it is a good idea to take a gift of some sort the likes of pastries, sugar, or live chicken.

A home invitation is perhaps the most authentic way to sample Moroccan dishes. Most Moroccan food is eaten with the hands. Always eat with the right hand as the left is supposed to used for the toilet.

Visits to mosques are mostly only allowed to Muslims. Though you can visit the grand mosque in Casablanca (Hassan II Mosque).

Taking photographs of local people

Ask their permission otherwise it can cause offense. It may result in them demanding money from you - even if you only intended to take a scenic shot of something. If you became friendly with someone it is usually very welcome.

Family live

Traditionally the men take to the streets and the women are in control of their homes. This means that you will not often find woman in cafes or restaurants.

General

Moroccan culture can be an exiting and worldly experience. The people are friendly and the place is just colorful in any direction. Hospitality is really a part of their culture so you can strike up friendships virtually anywhere if you have the right attitude.

Folklore

Awash

The dance originates from the HIgh Atlas and Ouarzazate areas. Woman in colorful dresses stand motionless around a group of men sitting around a fire. The men each have "bendir's". It is  circular piece of wood with a hide stretched over it. The sombre silence is broken by a piercing cry and the men begin to beat their drums and the woman sway slowly from side to side. Their speed of their swaying and the playing of the drums increase until the grand finale.

Ouais

This ballet-like dance is set to ancient Middle Eastern music. The "Orchestra" coprises a single-stringed fiddle and a number of 3 stringed, turtle-shell mandolins. These are played whilst another person keeps beat with a piece of iron hit on the ground. The dancers wear colorful kaftans, a silk belt and a colorful spangled cord wrapped around their head. It's a simple dance with only a few steps, but as the couples alternate their steps in unison, it creates a wonderfully intricate spectacle

Ait Atta

Similar to the Awash dance in certain ways, this dance marks the end of the working season. As the cold creeps over the mountains the workers get ready to pput their tools don and prepare for a season of relaxation. A row of women face a row of men and dance with gestures from which it is clear to see their enthusiasm and happiness to be finished with their work for the season.

The Ait Bodar

Ancient warriors placed much importance on the warriors fighting as one: creating an unbreakable line of defense to ensure their victory. This dance encompasses this belief. A row of men wearing white gandoras link into each others' arms and chant their song whilst perpetually moving forwards and backwards as one unit.

Ha Ha

A single, 7-holed flute is the only instrument used in this dance. Combined with the stamping of feet and the clapping of hands. The dancing men are incredibly disciplined and precise.

Fantasia

Performed entirely on horseback, a procession on woman on horseback begins the proceedings. Behind them men, wearing their individual tribe's emblem and riding in order of rank in the tribe, ride in an organized procession. As soon as this procession is complete the real Fantasia begins: The Aid el Broud (Festival of Gunpowder).

Wedding Customs

The wedding process can take up to seven days and there are many pre-wedding ceremonies.

It starts with the paying of a dowry that is spent of household items and furniture for the bride. 

It starts with the paying of a dowry that is spent of household items and furniture. If the grooms parents are very wealthy, They will pay for these items. The bride also receives golden jewelry and is sent presents of cloths, and perfume from her groom every feast day. The courtship period can last from six months to two years.

Facts

Population Density: 72 People per square kilometer

Age Structure
0-14yrs Males: 5,355,388; Females: 5,156,76215-64yrs Males 10,013,466; Females: 10,112,06065+ Males: 692,465; Females: 878,960

Ethnic Groups
Arab Berber: 99.1%
Jewish: 0.2%
Other: 0.7%

Religion
Muslim: 98.7%
Christian: 1.1%
Jewish: 0.2%

Literacy Rate
Men: 64.1%
Woman: 39.4%

Funeral

In likeness to Islamic tradition the deceased is buried within 24 hours of their death. Moroccan funerals are done in contrast with Islamic customs. The body is prepared at home by family and if needed someone of the community who regrettably has had that experience. 

In all Islamic faiths, it is said Allah can bring them back to life if they are in the direction of Mecca for Judgement Day. On that day in question is when Allah ultimately decides the fate of the soul – heaven or hell.

Once the funeral has taken place, a couple of days later family will gather for a formal get-together over food and some of the Koran is read aloud. In Moroccan culture this meal is of utmost importance because it will give good vibes of charity for the spirit to take.

Traditionally women wear white while grieving and in addition to this it is the law that they abstain from sex for the forty days after their spouse died. In ties with other Islamic groups in Africa and the Middle East the mourning period is forty days.

                        

          

Funeral of King Hussein of Jordan 

February 08, 1999

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