The story begins when the threads of fate bring two souls together, destined to meet: a man and a woman. Maybe they met by chance, their eyes locking and leading their hearts to connect. Or perhaps it was predestined from birth that they would unite. Who knows? Maybe someone had a hand in their meeting—perhaps a mother admired the girl and thought she would be a suitable partner for her son. Alternatively, a father recognized dignity and good morals in the girl’s family, finding a worthy companion for his son. The reasons may vary, but the outcome is the same: marriage or the Moroccan Wedding.
Understanding Marriage
What is marriage? It’s one question with many answers. Some see it as forming a family, others view it as a bond between two souls, and some describe it as a relationship between a man and a woman. In reality, marriage encompasses all of that. How so? Marriage is a union between a man and a woman with the goal of creating a family. Yes, that is marriage in brief—a word that carries much meaning and brings with it many terms, including the term “wedding,” which is our topic for today.
The Significance of the Moroccan Wedding
The wedding, or “zafaf” in Moroccan society, holds unique significance. Moroccans call it “Al Arous,” a celebration organized by the families of the bride and groom to honor their union. This follows the engagement period. In Morocco, families of various social levels retain the same traditions in organizing this celebration. Some prestigious Moroccan families even consider it an essential duty to honor the couple, leading to a form of competition where families strive to organize an outstanding wedding that all attendees will remember.
The Wedding Ceremony
The wedding begins with the “Nekaffa,” the woman responsible for dressing the bride. She adorns the bride in the traditional Moroccan outfit called “Takchita,” a garment worn by women on special occasions. After the preparations are done, the groom’s family, usually his mother and sister, comes to take the bride to the wedding hall. The bride is carried on the shoulders in a traditional “Amariya,” entering the hall to the sound of ululations and blessings upon the Prophet. The groom enters similarly, also carried on shoulders. During the meal, the bride changes her attire, opting for either the “caftan” or the traditional outfit of her region, such as the Sahrawi or Fassi dress. She re-enters the hall, carried on the “Tifour,” which, unlike the “Amariya,” has a roof.
A Sacred Tradition
The evening ends with the emotional departure of the bride from her family, marked by tears and farewells. The groom then takes his bride by the hand, leading her to their new home.
To this day, the wedding in Morocco remains a sacred tradition deeply respected by Moroccans. Weddings are especially common in the summer, and in some areas, a marriage isn’t recognized without a wedding ceremony—an age-old custom that Moroccans hold dear and will never abandon.