Marriage is a symbol of the continuity of society and the basic element of the family unity. In Morocco, marriage is celebrated according to a ceremony which draws its sources from ancestral traditions. If the celebration of this event remains more or less identical throughout the various regions of the Kingdom; nevertheless, some local traditions inspired and generated by ancestral practices enrich the marriage ritual by adding a distinctive feature to it from one region to another.

In fact, organizing marriages in Morocco varies according to the regions and highlights the cultural diversity which reflected mainly by different rituals (clothes, rites, music, culinary traditions etc...)

These local characteristics and this authenticity are preserved and perpetuated from generation to generation. They are the basic virtues of the Moroccan cultural diversity. The latter is well expressed at the celebration of marriages.

However, the marriage ceremony witnessed some changes in some parts of Morocco. These changes are due to the adoption of a modern way of life.

 Legally speaking, marriage becomes official by the conclusion of an act written by "Adouls" who acts as notaries in the presence of witnesses. It is equal to a marriage certificate and represents the founding contract of the family.

Chronology of rituals

 1- Hammam

A Purifying bath that the fiancée takes in a Moorish bath with other women who are her relatives.

A ceremony where chastity gets mixed with good scents and where the flame of candles, lit in the dark rooms of the bath, is believed to light the way of happiness.

This ritual is accompanied with various symbolic practices and offerings.

2 Henna

Henna is used during feasts and marriages by a qualified woman called “hannaya”. Henna is believed to protect from diseases and guarantee success and prosperity.

The hanna ceremony takes place the day before the wedding ceremony. Women of the two families and friends attend to this ceremony. The bride is veiled and wearing a green caftan. The "hanaya", draws attractive patterns on her hands and feet. This ceremony symbolizes that the bride’s status has changed.

3 The offering (H'dia)

The h'dia tradition exists in all social classes.

The gifts offered on this occasion to the wife by her husband depend on his social status and vary according to regions. But generally speaking, presents are only symbolic, such as sugar which is a symbol of a happy life, milk, symbol of clearness and purity, dates, henna, candles, flowers, etc...

4- Berza

 The "Berza" which takes place the day of the ceremony is when the bride is introduced to guests. Wearing a traditional costume made for this special occasion, the bride is installed in such a way that can be seen and admired by the public in an atmosphere full of music and colours.

In Morocco, more than everywhere else, marriage is considered, as far as the social and religious aspects are concerned, as an act of great importance. Accordingly, it is prepared thoroughly as a great family event and celebrated as if it were a great festival, in which the couple families, relatives, friends and neighbours attend.

Being valid for cities and big villages, this perception, however, is not completely true when talking about the countryside. In the last case, the douar as a whole is mobilized for several days. This reflection of solidarity translates the increasingly strong community spirit that exists in rural regions.

Therefore, if this ceremony is the same in throughout the kingdom, the rites of its celebration vary from one region to another. The goal is, depending on cases, to stress, consolidate or give more importance to such or such aspect of the feast. Basically, the canvas is the same throughout the Kingdom. It is the embroidery which reflects the specificities of each region. Every region of the country tries to exhibit proudly its particular contribution, emphasize the talent and tact of its men and women, put forward the care they accord this great ceremony, as well as the almost religious reverence that accompanies it.

Every region wants to leave its mark on this national tradition which appears to be after all a common heritage. Every region boasts its distinctive but at the same time very indicative features of the diversity of our culture.