Moroccan Culture and Traditions:

The Moroccan culture and traditions present an incredible diversity and richness. The clothes that Moroccans wear, their ways of celebrating the feasts, and their mother tongues differ from one place to another.

On one side, there are the Amazighs, the indigenous people of North Africa. they have lived in this part of the continent since antiquity. on the other side, there are the Arabs, people who are mostly Muslims and who came from the Arabian Gulf. We can also note the existence of other ethnic groups with smaller proportions.

Islam has undoubtedly had a huge impact on Moroccan culture. For Muslims, it is a lifestyle that is reflected in everything that a Muslim does, including his artistic creation. But the Berbers also have an earlier, pre-Islamic period in Morocco. Also, the traces of pagan cults can be seen especially clearly in carpet weaving.

Carpets :

Moroccan carpets look spectacular and appropriate in almost any interior. Handmade carpets are famous for their unique color and mysterious details. They have a dynamic and unique design, original geometric patterns, and pleasant texture.

Moroccan carpets are an exclusive trend in interior design around the world. These wonderful creations contain skillful works of masters who preserve centuries-old traditions, transmitting a piece of historical heritage. They become precious relics passed down from one generation to another.

Berber women who know how to make carpets are highly respected. It takes them months and sometimes years to make just a single one. A high price is always asked for such a good one.

While touring in Morocco, Tourists can always nigociate the price. The latter depends on the quality of the carpet and its age.

Jewelry :

Jean Besancenot was fascinated by the Berber Jewelry during an ethnographic visit to Morocco. Embroidered clothes, tattoos, and colorful tribal ornaments came from the depths of time. Moroccan Berbers possessed a wide range of jewelry types.

In the past years, the Moroccan Jewish craftsmen had a big influence on the creation of today's Moroccan jewelry. The collection of silver jewelry, which can weigh up to several kilograms and covers the entire figure of a woman from the top to the heel, is amazing. Even women from not the richest families certainly owned a lot of pendants, decorated rings, and bracelets. Men on feast days also did not hesitate to cover themselves with sparkling silver necklaces.

In addition to social significance as an indicator of family welfare, the jewelry had a protective value.

Henna:

While travelling in Morocco, you should definetly try to put henna on your hands.

First of all, henna is a plant that grows in desert areas. In Morocco, it is mostly found in the region of Azzemour. From this plant, a powder is extracted. When mixed in a small bowl of water with a spoonful of lemon or orange blossom juice, or even rose water, it becomes a paste that is slowly heated to maintain its color. And that's it! Henna paste, with its green color, is a natural dye.

However, chemicals are sometimes added to make it black. Of course, you must absolutely avoid applying this paste on your skin: it can cause allergic reactions and even serious burns.

Moroccans put henna during weddings, feasts, and even on normal days to protect themselves from the heat. It is a tradition that is transmitted from one generation to another.

Ahidous:

Ahidous is a thousand-year-old practice and an integral part of the Moroccan artistic heritage. It is a traditional dance practiced by the Berber tribes of the Middle Atlas and the High Atlas, in which women and men, tied together, form undulating rounds, accompanied by Berber songs rhythmed by the Bendir.

This art form remains very popular in central Morocco and in the southeast. It accompanies all the festivities of these regions, family, or community.

In The Ahidous dance, three essential things can be identified: the song itself, called "Izlan", which refers to local poetry or sometimes to improvisation, the musical rhythm which is performed mainly by tambourines and hand-clapping, and the dance which brings together women and men. In fact, in the important tribal occasions, the most common form is the "Ahidous Askwat" where a large number of people are present, while the "Ahidous Amezian" is more family-oriented. The rhythm of the music is accompanied by the body movements of the participants who form a circle or half circle, shoulder to shoulder, beating their feet to the rhythm of the tambourine.

Well, hopefully this helps you get to know about the Moroccan traditions and culture, and help you make your dream Morocco tour happen soon.