Morocco

Moroccans place great value on family and are generous. Amazigh children learn their native language, "Berber", in schools. To resurrect the writing means bringing back an ancient script called Tifinagh, which originated around the same time as Egyptian hieroglyphics. The language and writing of the Amazighs is a sister of ancient Egyptian.

Shaking hands is the common greeting between people. To show one's pleasure to see the other person one might touch the heart often after shaking hands. Children kiss the right hand of their parents to show respect. The most common general greeting is "Assalam Oualaikoum" (Peace be upon you) which is used as "Hello". Titles are typically used to address people that are not as well known. Friends address each other by first name.

Items are passed with the right hand or with both hands, not with the left. It is impolite to point at people and improper to let the bottom of one's foot face a person. It is considered improper to cross ones legs. Raising a hand up is used to hail a taxi. Snapping one's fingers is used in coffee houses and restaurant to call a waiter.

Frequently visiting friends and relatives is an important part of Moroccan Culture. Moroccans are warm and gracious hosts. Social visits can last several hours. Guests are generally offered refreshments, and it is impolite to refuse them. Men and women do not always socialize together.

The busy marketplace is the heart of a Moroccan city. Many people also enjoy meeting friends at neighborhood cafes. In rural communities, people gather at a weekly outdoor market called souk to buy and sell goods and chat with one another.

In Morocco, traditional clothing reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnic influences. However, contemporary attire varies depending on location, occasion, and individual preference.

Traditional Moroccan Clothing:

Djellaba: A long, loose-fitting robe with a hood, typically worn by both men and women. Djellabas come in various colors and designs, with embellishments like embroidery or ornate buttons.

Kaftan: A formal, ankle-length robe women wear for special occasions such as weddings or religious festivals. Kaftans are often made from luxurious fabrics and adorned with intricate embroidery, beads, or sequins.

Jellaba: Similar to the djellaba but without a hood, the jellaba is often worn by men and women for everyday attire, particularly in rural areas.

Berber Clothing: Traditional clothing varies among Berber communities depending on the region and tribe. Women may wear brightly colored scarves, embroidered blouses, and elaborately woven skirts, while men might don turbans, robes, and woolen cloaks.

Contemporary Clothing: Western-Style Clothing: In urban areas and modern settings, many Moroccans wear Western-style clothing such as jeans, T-shirts, dresses, and suits.

Islamic Dress: Some women wear modest Islamic attire, such as hijabs (headscarves) or abayas (full-length robes), particularly in conservative regions or for religious reasons.

Business Attire: In professional settings, both men and women often dress in business attire similar to those in Western countries, including suits, blouses, and dress pants or skirts.

Regional and Cultural Variations: In coastal cities like Casablanca or Essaouira, people may dress more casually, favoring lightweight fabrics and summer attire due to the warmer climate.

Traditional clothing may be more commonly worn in rural villages and mountainous regions, reflecting local customs and traditions.

Foods made of barley and wheat are the basis of the Moroccan diet. Lamb, beef and chicken are the main meats eaten in Morocco. Rice and couscous are staples. Mint tea is the national drink. As the vast majority of Moroccans are Muslim, they do not eat pork or drink alcohol. Harira is the traditional meal eaten to break the fast during Ramadan. It is usually served with dates, figs and special sweets called chabakiya.

In most homes the family eats the main meal of the day together. Before and after eating, each person washes their hands. A basin of water is usually available in the eating area for washing. Moroccans eat with their fingers from a large communal dish, using the right hand only. When guests are present, hosts serve their plates and encourage them to eat as much as they like. If the hosts think the guests have not eaten enough, they will urge them to eat more. It is impolite for guests to Finish eating before the hosts, as this can imply the food did not taste good. Mealtime is an important time for conversation; guests who do not join the discussion embarrass the hosts.

Foods made of barley and wheat are the basis of the Moroccan diet. Lamb, beef and chicken are the main meats eaten in Morocco. Rice and couscous are staples. Mint tea is the national drink. As the vast majority of Moroccans are Muslim, they do not eat pork or drink alcohol. Harira is the traditional meal eaten to break the fast during Ramadan. It is usually served with dates, figs and special sweets called chabakiya.

The extended family is the most important element in Moroccan social life. Adult children expect to care for their aging parents when it becomes necessary. Polygamy is legal but not frequently practiced. A man may have up to four wives, but he must have permission from any wives he already has and must provide for each equally

The traditional Moroccan household consists of a mother and father, their unmarried children, their married sons and their wives and children of those sons. When a father dies each married son establishes his own household. In the cities if their is not enough room for all the people of the family a household will split up before the death of the father.

Many urban Moroccans live is small houses that are attached to one another. The wealthier people live in modern apartments, while the poor people live in slum shacks made of flattened tin cans.

Rural people live in primitive houses made of dried mud bricks, wood or stone. These homes have only one room which serves as living room, kitchen, bedroom and barn. In the desert the nomads live in tents.

Boys and girls do not openly associate, and traditionally brides and grooms often do not meet until they are to be married. When a couple is to be married, the man pays the woman's father or eldest brother a sum of money to meet her expenses in the wedding. This sometimes inhibits a man from marrying because he cannot afford to pay the family. Girls usually bring a dowry into the marriage. A woman is expected to be a virgin before marriage.

In Morocco, recreational activities encompass diverse cultural, natural, and sporting pursuits, offering locals and visitors alike a rich tapestry of leisure experiences.

Cultural Exploration: Morocco's historical and architectural wonders, including the ancient cities of Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca, as well as UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Medina of Fes, beckon tourists to delve into the country's storied past. Exploring these sites, haggling in vibrant souks, and savoring local delicacies are popular recreational pastimes.

Outdoor Adventures: From the Atlas Mountains' rugged peaks to the Sahara Desert's expansive dunes, Morocco's natural landscapes offer boundless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Trekking in Toubkal National Park, camel trekking in the Sahara, or exploring the coastal cliffs and beaches provide thrilling adventures amidst breathtaking scenery.

Sports and Activities: Sports play a significant role in Moroccan recreational culture. Football (soccer) is the nation's favorite sport, with passionate fans cheering on their favorite teams in local leagues and international competitions. Water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, and sailing also draw enthusiasts to the country's picturesque coastal towns like Essaouira and Agadir.

Relaxation and Wellness: Hammams, traditional Moroccan bathhouses, offer a serene retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Visitors can indulge in steam baths, exfoliating scrubs, and massages, immersing themselves in centuries-old rituals that promote physical and mental well-being.

Many women spend their social time at home doing crafts with other women.