Marriage in Morocco Hammams , Henna & Holy Matrimony
There ’ s nothing like a wedding to bring a community together , and nobody knows how to throw a party quite like Morocco . Modern Moroccan weddings are an extravagant three-day affair , and an unforgettable moment in any woman ’ s life ; the bride and her closest confidants can bond one more time as they bid farewell to the end of an old life , and the beginning of a new one .
A Moroccan marriage begins with the Drib Sdak : a ceremony in which the couple and a small group of witnesses legally formalize their marriage in the presence of a public official in accordance with Islamic law . With the covenant sealed , the pair are now officially husband and wife , and the festivities can begin .
Spa Day at the Hammam & Henna Parties
The day after the Drib Sdak , the bride and her female friends and family head to a hammam ( bathhouse ) where they receive the royal treatment . The star of the show spends an afternoon being pampered with a number of beautification treatments that might include a rose petal milk bath , a therapeutic and exfoliating massage , and a facial cleanse of ghassoul — a soapy clay that is prized for its ability to beautify skin and hair . This day provides the perfect opportunity to blow off some steam before the wedding .
The second day of the wedding kicks off with a henna party . Using traditional ink extracted from the henna plant , a skilled artist spends hours decorating the hands and feet of the bride and her party with intricate patterns . This tradition can be traced back to Morocco ’ s indigenous Amazigh people , who believed that major life events like weddings attracted attention from malevolent spirits that could be warded off with the baraka ( divine blessing ) infused in these henna patterns .
These events are precious for the opportunity they give their participants to spend a few final days of quality time together . Whether it ’ s reminiscing with old friends , seeking wisdom from matrons who have walked this path before , or bonding with the in-laws , these days before the wedding are a crucial time for a newlywed to cherish her connections with the women in her life .
The Big Day
Clad in a fassiya ( a dress with a large , ornate headpiece ), the bride makes her grand entrance atop an amaria — an elegant platform carried into the venue by a group of male guests . Moroccan weddings typically begin late at night as the newlyweds and their assembled guests mark the occasion with hours of dancing , singing , feasting that don ’ t end until dawn .
As the event finally draws to a close , and the happy couple finish their last dance , the pair are sent off into the sunrise , where the groom ’ s family is waiting at their home with a traditional greeting of dates and milk , a symbolic blessing meant to guarantee a sweet and peaceful life together .
Outlook on Women
By Bob Hammerling
Bob is an O . A . T . staff writer who ’ s always looking for another adventure — and believes that starting a family is the greatest adventure of all .
Left : The henna tradition can be traced back to the indigenous people of Morocco .
A bride making her grand entrance atop an amaria .
Learn about the evolution of ancient Moroccan traditions during Morocco Sahara Odyssey .
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DISPATCHES • JUNE 2023 19