The nuptial ceremony is the centerpiece of the Moroccan marriage. They observe it in accordance with ancestral rituals and customs, and they do so in accordance with Moroccan traditions. Because Morocco is a Muslim nation with Muslim customs, the celebration of marriage adheres to the teachings of Islam as well as other religious traditions. As a result, the young bride who has conserved herself during the many nuptial ceremonies is praised and celebrated throughout the ceremony. This might take place over a period of three days, or perhaps a week. Depending on the social standing and financial resources of the family from whom the newlyweds are sprung.
The magnificence of a Moroccan wedding is what distinguishes it. Historically, it has been strongly associated with ancestral customs that recognize the beauty and purity of the bride-to-be, as well as the bond that exists between the two families. Both of which are brought together by the union of the two young gentlemen. Moroccans have the option of celebrating their wedding on ancestral grounds. When the two prospective spouses (or one of them) is of Moroccan descent, not just in Morocco, but also in other countries.
Although westernization has influenced morality, many young Moroccans in diaspora communities maintain a strong devotion to ancestral customs despite the influence of westernization on their upbringing. Additionally, they will continue to celebrate their marriage in accordance with Moroccan customs. Everything will be organized and modernized in a single day. The completion of all of the nuptial ceremonies marks the beginning of the celebration of the marriage.
Moroccan marriage traditions
Because of the wide variety of customs in Morocco, the celebration of a wedding may take on many different forms. Depending on where you live. The fundamental premise, on the other hand, stays unchanged. It is critical to adhere to the timeline of the rituals in order for the newlyweds’ new house, which they built themselves, to be a positive omen.
Tradition requires that the groom’s family first asks the girl’s family for the bride’s hand in marriage and that the two families then proceed to negotiate the amount of the bride’s dowry, the date of the wedding, and the cost of the ceremonies. In exchange for his bridegroom’s jewels and magnificent garments, the groom presents his bridegroom to the bride. In addition, the payment of the dowry signals the end of the engagement and the beginning of the wedding celebrations for the couple.
It is customary for the bride to dress in up to seven different ensembles, each reflecting one of Morocco’s seven geographical regions:
- For the henna ceremony, She wears a green and gold caftan.
- Takeshita is a white flower that represents purity.
- Fassiya of Fez is a female nymph that lives in Morocco.
- R’batia of Rabat, which is often blue in hue.
- The Sahara Desert in Morocco.
- Soussia is a Berber costume designed by Souss.
- The Mejdoub, or as they refer to it, the golden caftan, as well as the white dress, which were both worn during the civil wedding, were both worn.
To take care of the bride’s clothing, it is necessary to hire either a single Negafa or a group of Negafates to assist with the task. They also make certain that they adhere to and respect cultural traditions, customs, and habits.
The various phases of a Moroccan marriage
The engagement
The engagement process, which is a crucial element of Moroccan wedding preparations, starts after the bride’s parents have given their agreement to the marriage, according to tradition. The announcement of the engagement comes at the conclusion of the discussions between the two families. During this time, the dowry, as well as the overall budget for the wedding ceremony, are decided. Aside from that, there is the Khotba period, which concludes with the payment of the bride’s dowry. The bridegroom lavishes presents on his future wife, the majority of which are jewels and apparel.
The initial ritual, the Al Kaghet
Al Kaghet is the rite in which the prospective newlyweds’ lives are sealed for all time. The bride and groom sign the marriage certificate in the presence of an Adel or Adoul, who serves as the notary public under Islamic law, in the presence of a select committee comprised of the couple’s closest relatives and friends.
The Negafa’s fitting
Before the D-day, she will be required to don up to seven different ensembles, each more lavish than the one before it. They have to be the right match for her. As a result, trying on the bride’s clothes at the Negafa is considered to be one of the most important aspects of the preparations for a Moroccan wedding. In addition, you must come to an agreement on the design of the party space itself. Think of the throne on which the bride and husband will sit, as well as the Amariya and the costumes that will be worn. Finally, decide on the primary colors that will be used in the party space.
The Hammam ceremony
For the milk bath ritual, the bride, accompanied by the female members of her family and potentially those of her prospective in-laws, travels to the hammam a few days before the wedding. The bride is dressed in traditional Turkish attire. This is a purifying practice for the bride-to-be before her wedding day. Everyone joins in the celebration with traditional songs and dances, making it a happy occasion.
The Henna ritual
During the henna ritual, the bride puts on her green and gold caftan after taking a milk bath in the hammam and always in the company of her close relatives (mothers, aunts, cousins, and close friends) During this rite, henna tattoo patterns are applied to her hands and feet, with the intention of warding off the evil eye. Hormonal fertility and marital bliss are represented by the patterns done during the henna ritual. At the conclusion of this ceremony, the bride transitions from being a young girl to being a married lady. The henna ritual is a must-have for every Moroccan wedding. It is customary for the ceremony to be followed by a banquet during which the bride’s in-laws present her with presents. Sugar, milk, and caftans are among the items on the bridal registry, in addition to the presents on the guest list. This is the Hdiyya (G-day).
The wedding day
When it comes to the wedding day, it is customary for it to begin in the early evening, about 9 p.m., after the ceremony at the municipal courthouse. Mint tea and cookies are available for purchase there. The bride and groom, both dressed in Amariyas, then make their first public appearance together. While the wedding ceremony is in full swing, due to a feast of oriental delicacies, the bride, who will be overseen by the Negafa, will sneak away many times to change into different outfits for the reception. Following the wedding ceremony, the two families gather at the house of the groom’s parents to have a sumptuous lunch together. Aariss and Aaroussa’s first dinner together as husband and wife mark the beginning of their married life together.
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