Formalities
Morocco is a Muslim country with centuries-old customs and traditions. Only a symbolic wedding ceremony can be held on the territory of the country. At the same time, there are a number of rules and restrictions that must be observed by the young couple and invited guests. All nuances and formalities should be discussed in advance with the organizers of the gala event.
It must be taken into account that a wedding ceremony in the East lasts on average from 4 to 7 days, with the main part of it, including the exchange of rings and vows of love, occurring approximately in the middle of this period. Newlyweds need to book a date 3-4 months before the intended event, and arrive in the country a few days before the start of the event to resolve remaining issues with the organizers.
An official wedding for foreigners in Morocco is possible only if they permanently reside in the country.
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Empire wedding dress
A wedding dress in the Empire/Greek style is a classic style of bride's dress, one-piece (not cut at the waist). The empire silhouette of a wedding dress is characterized by its high waistline (usually indicated by a ribbon under the bust), which sits just below the bust, from which the rest of the dress flows freely into a long skirt.
This type of dress usually has a deep square neckline and is complemented by a variety of shoulder straps, straps, and sleeves. But maybe the American V-neck armhole is the armhole of a sleeveless top, blouse or dress, cut diagonally from the armpits to the neckline, leaving the shoulders bare.
The most successful material for creating a wedding dress in the Empire style is light flowing fabrics, and lace will be an excellent addition.
Because of its versatility, it is suitable for brides with almost any body type. This type of dress is ideal for girls with small breasts, since the upper part of the dress, made of textured dense material, lifts the breasts and makes them visually larger and more seductive.
In addition, this dress silhouette is an ideal solution for pregnant brides; due to the loose fit of the skirt, it can hide the growing belly of the expectant mother. The Empire style will add height to short brides, is suitable for brides who want to focus attention on the upper part and will distract attention from the waist of overweight brides.
Preparing for the ceremony
Eastern traditions require long and thorough preparation for the main part of the ceremony, which includes the following procedures:
- visiting an Arab bath - hammam, symbolizing the cleansing of body and spirit before an important event;
- painting the bride's hands with henna (mehendi), the complex patterns of which are a symbol of love, passion, prosperity and longevity;
- giving gifts to loved ones and parents;
- preparing clothes and lots of jewelry for the bride for each day of the upcoming wedding.
During the day before the wedding, the bride prepares. It is believed that the more elaborate her hairstyle, makeup and outfit, the happier and richer her family life will be.
Japanese wedding dresses
In Japan, the traditional dress of the bride is a kimono "shiromuku" made of fine white silk, a white brocade cape, various jewelry and a special wig. At the reception, the bride can change from the traditional kimono to the “iro-uchikake” - a red and white outfit embroidered with silver and gold.
In Japan, it is believed that the color red wards off spirits and is a symbol of marital happiness, and embroidered cranes symbolize life. At the end of the evening, the bride dresses for the last time in her life in a furisode, a brightly colored kimono usually worn by unmarried girls.
The white color of a wedding kimono symbolizes purity and purity.
Traditional Moroccan wedding
According to ancient customs, the main part of the wedding ceremony in Morocco begins late in the evening and continues until the morning. A symbolic wedding for foreign couples can be held in a restaurant, private villa or hotel banquet hall. Outdoor events in the city, as a rule, are not held.
Throughout the entire event, the newlyweds are accompanied by numerous singers and musicians. A Moroccan wedding is rightfully considered one of the noisiest and most fun in the whole world. The bride and groom sit on richly decorated thrones or in special palanquins, which guests carry several times through the entire hall.
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The main focus is on the feast. In Morocco, they traditionally serve stuffed lamb, a variety of sweets and drinks, with the exception of alcohol. In general, a classic Moroccan wedding is a bright, memorable exotic event.
As a rule, for foreign tourists the holiday scenario is greatly simplified, which does not make it any less interesting and memorable.
Image from the Internet for illustrative purposes More
recently, I had the honor of becoming one of the bridesmaids at a real Moroccan wedding! I am well aware that the organization of a celebration is of great importance in Eastern cultures. I also know that the most important component of each ceremony are outfits that hide the symbolism and customs of a particular country. To understand Morocco and the mystery of the traditional caftan, I go to the designer of the brand of the same name (Laila Amraoui) Leila Amraoui.
It is more difficult to talk about a Moroccan costume than about any other outfit. It’s all because Morocco is a country of diamonds, its edges are chiseled under the influence of individual cultures. Turkish, Berber, Arab and even Christian influences are intricately intertwined in the Moroccan caftan. And the whole world adores him! When HRH Princess Lalla Salma appeared in elegant Moroccan attire during King Willem-Alexander's accession to the throne in 2013, readers of Hello! Magazine unanimously expressed their admiration for traditional clothing.
The kaftan should not be confused with the similar djellaba, another Moroccan outfit also worn by men. Women in Morocco have a strong attachment to their Moroccan wardrobes, as such clothes are relatively expensive to make—most of the work is done by hand. Along with dresses in Morocco they wear a wide belt with patterns - galloon. As brand designer Leila Amraoui told me, in Moroccan cities everyone knows exactly where the manufacturers of chic belts live. On the streets of the medinas, golden and silver threads are stretched for kilometers, from which craftsmen create real masterpieces. Men prepare colorful threads, women sell buttons and embroidered belts with accessories.
Most Moroccan women purchase at least 3 new kaftans every year to wear to a religious event or wedding. These are special, elegant and expensive outfits made from the best fabrics, which become a great pride for a woman. It is simply impossible to imagine the bride and guests without them.
A wedding is very important for this people. In honor of the legend of Morocco's Romeo and Juliet, who drowned in their own tears of grief while trying to reconcile their families, the country even holds an annual wedding festival.
The celebration itself consists of several ceremonies, which can last from 3 days to a week. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Moroccan bride changes her wedding dresses, jewelry and hairstyle four to seven times. At the end, the girl appears in a magnificent white wedding dress.
Luxurious styles representing different regions of Morocco are a way to celebrate the richness and vibrancy of local culture throughout the world. While visiting Leila Amraoui, it became clear to me: any woman, be it the bride or her friend, is a true diamond of the wedding celebration, and she requires an appropriate cut. Moroccan craftsmen, apparently, feel this well and know how to appreciate beauty, because otherwise their reverent attitude towards stunning outfits cannot be explained!
Wedding in Marrakech
Sunny Marrakesh is the capital not only of the Kingdom of Morocco, but also of wedding tourism in the best traditions of the Muslim East. The sun-drenched streets of the ancient city will be an excellent backdrop for the symbolic beginning of a new life.
Despite some strict restrictions and adherence to centuries-old traditions, ultra-modern hotels and first-class service await newlyweds in Marrakesh. The organization of symbolic turnkey weddings is well developed here, from preparing the bride and groom to holding luxurious banquets for several dozen people.
The wedding can be held in almost any hotel in the city, as well as specially equipped banquet halls and restaurants. Marrakesh is a unique and very romantic city, suitable not only for organizing a bright and unforgettable wedding ceremony, but also for a fabulous honeymoon.
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Marrakech - the capital of weddings
For wedding ceremonies, one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the kingdom, Marrakech, is most popular. The entire surrounding atmosphere of the city is imbued with the magical charm of the east - beautiful palaces and ancient bazaars coexist with fashionable restaurants and hotels where first-class service awaits newlyweds.
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Newlyweds are recommended to use the services of agencies specializing in wedding ceremonies. The standard wedding package includes the following services:
- meeting at the airport;
- accommodation in a comfortable hotel;
- city tours;
- visiting the hammam and getting henna tattoos;
- makeup and hairstyle for the bride;
- provision of a Russian-speaking wedding planner;
- photoshoot;
- horseback riding;
- individual wedding certificate;
- wedding dinner and cake in the restaurant.
Symbolic ceremony on the ocean shore
Recently, symbolic weddings on the coast have become increasingly popular in Morocco. The country has access to the Atlantic Ocean. The clean coast, covered with golden sands and palm trees, will be an excellent backdrop for a European-style ceremony for those who are not ready for a multi-day wedding in Muslim traditions.
The ceremony can be held not only outdoors, but also in one of the many hotels and restaurants on the coast.
African wedding dresses
In Africa, a traditional bride's outfit may consist of a brightly colored bubah skirt and jacket. The bride wraps a cloth around her head like a turban or braids her hair, which symbolizes modesty and restraint.
In the Berber tribes of Morocco, brides are wrapped in brightly colored woolen blankets. Unmarried girls wear round caps embroidered with silver coins, and a necklace with silver bells is worn around their necks. During the wedding, a Moroccan bride must change at least seven different outfits.
In Ghana, a bride's wedding dress is called "kente" - a garment made of woven threads that reflects their social status as well as religious or political beliefs. Red, gold and green in the bride's dress are the traditional colors of freedom.
Traditional wedding costume details for African girls also include a “gele” (turban), a loose bou-bou dress or skirt that is wrapped around the body, a shawl or cape, and a short loose blouse made of the same material.
An unusual fact about Moroccan snails
An ancient people living in the deserts of North Africa are the Berbers. It is believed that they are real magicians in folk medicine.
They say that berebers are able to cure terrible diseases that cannot be treated in European countries.
Snails are considered a remedy for many diseases. Sea snails are resistant to intestinal diseases, and arboreal snails are resistant to pulmonary diseases. There is an ancient ritual-love spell, a woman treats the man she likes with snails boiled with the addition of menstrual blood (of course, he should not know about this). So be careful when you try boiled snails in markets and squares!
Morocco features. Features of Morocco
Morocco is a wonderful fairy tale in the north of the African continent.
A country of the far West, which nature has endowed with diverse landscapes, washed by both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. On its territory, the traveler will find everything his heart desires - the sea, sandy beaches, mountain ranges with amazing waterfalls, steep gorges (there is a map similar to the Karmadon Gorge) with turbulent rivers, plains strewn with orange tangerines and oranges, hot sun and eternal snow on the tops of the mountains, cedar forests exuding an amazing aroma, yars.
Morocco attracts tourists with its Arabian exoticism, sincere hospitality, delicious cuisine and, of course, the opportunity to visit the Sahara Desert.
Today, Morocco is perhaps the only country where you can touch the Arabian exoticism, which is separated from Europe only by the Strait of Gibraltar, and at the same time, without fear for your health. Everyone who goes here does so for different reasons. Some people enjoy the Moroccan coast, riding a board on the waves, some go here for Moroccan silk and carpets, others relax in spa centers and take pictures of local exotics, and others simply want to see an unusual country.
Whatever goal you pursue, you will definitely get a lot of impressions and emotions. This country has never left a single tourist indifferent.
Moroccans, although they are Arabs, like the Turks or Egyptians, but unlike them, they offer completely unobtrusive tourism. Here no one tugs tourists by the sleeve at every step with constant attempts to impose some kind of service or product.
Morocco is a country of traditions and strict morals.
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What's the best way to relax in Morocco?
Despite the huge number of tourists who come to this country from the most remote corners of the planet, strict Arab traditions still reign here. Therefore, for a good rest, you need to know a few nuances that will help avoid possible misunderstandings.
- It is not customary for women to walk unaccompanied by men. This mainly applies to the old areas of the city, but in the area of modern hotels this is not relevant.
- It is not customary to show strong emotions on the street, as well as kissing and hugging.
- You shouldn’t take photos of passers-by without permission, but if you ask, many will happily take a photo.
- It is not customary to refuse tea if you are invited to a cafe. Locals view such a refusal as a personal insult.
- It is customary to eat in a cafe with the right hand, with a handful of three fingers. The left hand is considered dirty and should not be used to touch food. Blowing on hot tea is considered a sign of bad taste.
- Bread here is a sign of wealth and prosperity; it is broken and carefully placed in the mouth.
- Entrance to most mosques is limited to Muslims only. But you can take pictures from the outside of the building.
- No one will punish you for violating these traditions, but you can end up in an absurd situation. For any controversial issues, you must contact your guide or the police. However, the country is considered very safe, with low crime rates.
Vietnam is a dirty country with thatched shacks and poor peasants
15–20 years ago this was approximately the case. But in the 21st century, the whole of Southeast Asia began to develop rapidly - and now Vietnam is full of skyscrapers, and the Vietnamese are increasingly striving to work in offices rather than on farms.
This is what the Vietnamese city of Saigon looks like
Poor regions remain, but they are mainly concentrated in the north of the country, where tourists do not visit. In the south there is civilization with restaurants, supermarkets and shopping centers.
But the mud in Vietnam is difficult. Locals throw garbage directly onto the streets, it's true. But the streets are regularly cleaned, so it cannot be said that Vietnam is drowning in dirt. It feels dirtier than Europe, but cleaner than many other Asian or Caribbean countries.
Tips for tourists when traveling in Morocco
As local residents of the popular resort say: Agadir is a completely European city in which Moroccan traditions are not observed and there is no morality. Some Agadir residents have become accustomed to short skirts and nudity on the beaches, and religious families have fled the city after an invasion of European tourists. Therefore, no one demands compliance with local rules of behavior, but in ancient and more Moroccan cities, morality is above all. By the way, the French are quite loyal to the views of Moroccans and try not to go out looking attractive and only rent hotels with a private beach, so as not to embarrass the huge number of Arab women in veils on a public beach.
If someone greets you, say hello back. Use polite words in your speech and show your gratitude. Many people do not speak English, so say thank you in French or Arabic (shukran).
If you are offered to drink Berber tea, do not refuse the invitation. Moroccans are friendly and this usually means that a person is bored and wants to chat and learn Russian.
Try not to openly take pictures of locals. Some, especially smart ones, may begin to aggressively demand money for a photo (usually young people). An adult can also come up and express his indignation, but only without demanding payment, but simply asking to delete the photo. Do not point the camera at women in veils at all, especially if they are with men. It might end badly.
The usual rule for girls is not to wear short shorts or dresses.
Nobody asks you to cover your shoulders and head, but bare legs will in any case attract the attention of men; not everyone is adequate. There was a case when one young lady in an ultra-short mini was photographed against the backdrop of a mosque
Of course, no one told her anything, but they drew conclusions about the morality of Europeans.
It is prohibited to enter mosques. But you can admire the architectural beauty from the outside.
Don't talk to women who are covered up. This usually ends very badly, even if the woman is unaccompanied by a man.
By the way, when you go through passport control upon arrival, do not indicate on your migration card that you work in the media, blogger, photographer, etc. You may be mistaken for a foreign agent who poses a threat to the Moroccan kingdom. Most likely you will be asked a lot of questions in French, and without knowing the language you will need to look for a translator. Morocco likes to deport journalists from the country. And do not bring professional photo and video equipment with you. Or learn a couple of phrases in French about how you want to take a photo for a family album.
Discussion of the king, politics and religion is taboo, haram. Even if your Moroccan interlocutor begins to express his opinion about any situation, it is better to remain silent or agree, so as not to cause a conflict, which may end with the involvement of police officers in the conversation.
Don’t even think about abusing the national currency (for example, tearing it up). Funny or not, this leads to imprisonment for five years. The fact is that each banknote depicts a king, who is equated here with a prophet.
