The course of a wedding in Morocco:
1.La khetba
In order for a man to propose to a woman, the first family meets with the woman's family to ask for her hand in marriage: this is the khetba, or engagement ceremony. Once this step is taken, discussions about the ceremony, its course, and the amount of the dowry can begin. During this time, the future groom showers his bride-to-be with various gifts (jewelry, clothes, fabrics, etc.). The marriage actually takes place in two stages. First, a very private ceremony takes place in the presence of the bride and groom, close family members, a few intimates, and an "adoul", a notary in Islamic law authorized to perform the religious marriage. A certificate is established and in the presence of two witnesses, the spouses sign the document. In Morocco, it is the religious marriage that serves as the legal marriage. Now that the administrative formalities have been completed, the newlyweds and all their relatives can finally celebrate their union properly!
2.Vive la mariée!
When one thinks of "marriage," one thinks primarily of the bride. Even if it is an important day for the groom as well. In most cultures, it is primarily the bride's day. And in Morocco even more so! On the eve of the wedding, the young bride goes to the hammam with her loved ones to purify herself, relax, and make herself beautiful. What was once a religious ceremony has become an opportunity for women to get together before the big day and give all the care and advice they can to the lucky bride. The next day is the "henna" ceremony, when the nekachates apply henna designs on the hands and feet of the bride, and anyone else who wants them. These designs are supposed to bring happiness, health, and prosperity to the young girl's marriage. The whole event takes place among the women of the two families in joy and good humor, with a beautiful bride usually dressed in green. Then it's the turn of the "neggafates" to take over. They are there to ensure that every detail of the ceremony, such as makeup, jewelry, clothing and their succession, gait, etc., is taken care of. They are real professionals, experienced in hundreds of ceremonies, and ensure the smooth running of the ceremony.
3.The groom arrives!
Meanwhile, the groom's family arrives in procession, to the sound of music, surrounded by singers and dancers, with their arms loaded with gifts: this is the "hdia". All the singing and music takes place in the street, in front of the bride's house, to inform the neighborhood that a couple is about to get married and to share the joy of the family. The tradition is the same for all regions and social classes: sugar for a happy life, milk for purity, dates, orange blossom water, henna, and, depending on the groom's means, other gifts (jewelry, shoes, clothes, etc.). The gifts are then arranged in trays topped with cones (the "tifors").
4. La âmaria
To announce the start of the festivities, the bride and groom are placed on wooden palanquins, lifted and held by men and sometimes family members: this is the âmaria. They make their entrance in this way, allowing the guests to see and admire them. Smiles, hand gestures, ululations, music, everything is there to make this moment a magical and joyful one, both for the guests and for the happy couple. After crossing the hall, the bride and groom are seated on imposing armchairs, a position they will not leave until the end of the evening. Throughout the ceremony, the guests can admire them, take pictures with them, congratulate them, and so on.
5.The meal
Depending on the chosen formula, the guests will be served dinner or will go to the buffet to make their choices. For a dinner, it is customary to have a pastilla (with seafood or chicken) and a méchoui. Trends vary depending on budgets, seasons, and regions: harira, tajines, chawarma, sushi, everything is available! Sometimes the meal is served very late and the guests wait by snacking on small bites throughout the ceremony (biscuits, appetizers, briouates, etc.).
🔔 Subscribe : [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
📧Info & Enquiries :barhicham79@gmail.com
#MoroccanCulture #MoroccanWeddings #TraditionalWedding #EngagementCeremony #MarriageCustoms #Bride #Groom #HennaCeremony #MoroccanCuisine #WeddingTraditions #NorthAfricanCulture #Amariya #Nekacha #Neggafates #Hdia #Tifors #Pastilla #Mechoui #Harira #Tajines #WeddingCelebrations #CelebrationTraditions
