Research Paper On Morocco Culture

Moroccan Culture
In America if you have 2 wives you are looked on as a disgrace and a terrible person, but in Morocco the men can have up to four wives! But, the wife must approve, and the husband needs to prove that he can support more than one wife. This is considered totally normal, and is promoted by the country. Here they believe that the amount of wives you have, and can support shows your status, and what kind of a man you are. ‘Moroccans believe in family, honor, dignity, generosity, hospitality and self control. A calm attitude gains respect.’ (2) If you ever find yourself in Morocco, here are some essential things to know about the people, customs and courtesies, lifestyle, and society that are different to American cultures.
Also, they tend to still live with the parents all the way until they are married. Poor families might not have a shower in their homes, so they have to go to a communal shower. Here they don’t have dates, but they can have friend get togethers. In rural areas the parents pick who their child marries, and the men and women do not meet until they are wed. Weddings here usually last two days. The first day is for the bride’s family to come together and have a party, much like the American reception. Then, the family decorates the bride’s hands and feet with henna. (red plant dye) The brides here don't wear the typical white flowy princess gowns, instead they wear a hoodless robe called a keftan. On the second day both the groom and the bride’s family come together to have a ‘reception,’ to show that they are now one big, happy family. When someone is pregnant, the family celebrates by cooking and cleaning for her and also bringing her clothes and gifts. Then, the mother to be gets together with other female friends and mothers, they decorate her hands and feet with henna. Finally, after the baby is born, when the parents announce the baby’s name, a sheep in slaughtered at the same time as they say the name. At this time the mom’s hands and feet are decorated with henna once again. When a Moroccan dies their body is burned as soon as possible. Women stay at home to mourn, while the husband's take the body to the mosque. A widow would wear white for the next 4 months and 10 days. They have New Year's, Throne Day, Youth Day, Green March Day and Independence Day(Nov 18). In American cultures you wouldn’t think twice about eating during the day anytime of the year, but in Morocco they celebrate Ramadan, which is the ‘month of fasting and prayer.’ (5) So they don’t eat, smoke or drink anything from sunrise to sunset! But don't worry they just do