Greetings
In Morocco, greetings are extremely important to show respect and create a positive impression on others. A traditional greeting involves shaking hands while saying “As-salaam Alaykum,” which translates to “Peace be upon you.” You can also acknowledge someone with a nod or a bow.
It is common to ask how someone is doing when greeting them, and it is polite to respond with an answer. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these customs when greeting people in Morocco.
Handshakes
Handshakes are the most common greeting in Moroccan culture, and this form of greeting is always given with a smile. Hands are generally not shaken during Ramadan. However, if you are eating during Ramadan with others, it is customary to shake hands then. Handshaking is also not done between men and women unless they have been formally introduced to or know each other well.
It’s important to remember that the quality and strength of your handshake should match what the other person offers; you should not provide a strong or limply handshake back. On the other hand, a light but firm handshake with direct eye contact is seen as polite and respectful. It’s good to remember also that greetings are expected to be prolonged and almost always require some exchange of pleasantries such as ‘how are you?’ before drifting away from each other.
Eye Contact
Eye contact is a tricky part of conversations between strangers in Morocco, particularly between genders. Therefore, it is important to know the rules and follow them appropriately for respectful social interaction.
Generally speaking, older generations in Morocco tend to avoid direct eye contact with members of the opposite sex. It is seen as a sign of respect and even protection. Therefore, eye contact with elders should be given less frequently and more subtly than when looking at people of similar age or younger.
Young people in the country will often look each other directly in the eyes upon meeting. In contrast, it may be considered rude or uncomfortable to look someone much older in the eye without inviting conversation first. It’s also important to note that eye contact can differ dramatically between cities within Morocco itself. What’s acceptable in Casablanca may not be socially acceptable a few hundred miles away. Be conscious of your surroundings, adhere to common local customs, and you won’t find yourself on the wrong side of an uncomfortable situation!
Respectful Language
In Morocco, greetings are essential as they form the foundation of communication and relationship building. Generally, Moroccans use very formal terms of address when introducing one another and use polite expressions to show respect. It is considered appropriate for adults to address peers by their traditional titles—Madame for a woman and Monsieur for a man or Mrs. followed by their surname for married women.
When greeting someone in public, it is customary to offer three kisses on alternate cheeks (starting with the right cheek), as well as an embrace and/or handshakes. Handshakes should be firm but brief, while any contact between members of the same sex should include an embrace, which can also involve a handshake. When conversing with someone from a different culture or foreign country, as long as you wait to follow the lead of your conversational partner, you will be respectful. Respectful language should be used when addressing and referring to people in all circumstances; avoid using nicknames unless invited or specified by the person themselves.
Dress Code
The dress code in Morocco is generally conservative, with modest attire covering the arms and legs. This rule applies to women, who are expected to protect their arms and legs. In most cases, wearing jeans and a t-shirt is fine. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the local customs and respect them.
Clothing
In Morocco, people prefer to dress modestly and conservatively. It means women should generally not wear tank tops, shorts, miniskirts, or other revealing clothing in public. Loose-fitting trousers and long skirts are the best options for covering up. It’s best to stick to neutral hues like black, white, and tan when selecting clothing to avoid undue attention or offense. Depending on where you go in Morocco, it’s also advised that female travelers keep their arms covered from elbow to wrist (or at least their shoulders).
Men should also opt for more conservative clothing – long pants and a shirt with sleeves – which is appropriate for most places in Morocco. Bright colors for either gender are delicate, but overly loud patterns can be seen as vulgar.
Finally, if you plan on visiting any mosques in Morocco, you must observe the strictest levels of modesty. Both men and women must always cover their heads with a scarf or hat before entering a mosque. No undergarments of any kind may be visible:
- No sleeveless shirts
- No shorts
- Knee-length skirts only etc.
Generally speaking, visitors should make sure that all body parts from the elbows downward are completely covered when inside a mosque.
Colors
Colors are essential in the celebration of life in Morocco. Red and green are the colors most universally embraced, especially in gift-giving, which symbolizes respect for each other. Red represents fertility, passion, and joy, while green indicates nature and good luck.
Clothing also plays an important role in Morocco’s cultural customs; choose conservative clothing that covers your legs and arms when traveling to rural areas or mosques. Women should wear headscarves when traveling to these areas as well.
In more metropolitan cities and towns, clothing is less conservative but still respectful. It’s perfectly acceptable to wear shorts or tank tops in these locations as long as it isn’t too close-fitting or revealing – tight jeans, short skirts, or halter tops are usually frowned upon. Men should avoid wearing shorts if they plan on entering a Mosque – trousers must be worn at all times while inside this religious shrine.
When attending special events in urban locations, such as birthdays and weddings, it would be wise to stick with traditional Moroccan fashion norms such as:
- Tunics with loose pants
- Bright wraps for women
- Suits with long-sleeved shirts for men
Accessories
In Morocco, it is considered to be modest when dressing. Women should cover their shoulders, chests, and legs when out in public and a Canadian-style scarf (known as an echarpe) draped over the arms is an easy and appropriate way of doing this. It is common to wear wide-brim hats, long-sleeved tops, and full-length pants to protect from the sun and fit in with local sensibilities. Men should avoid wearing shorts outside of places frequented by tourists.
When visiting religious sites like mosques or churches, more conservative clothing must be worn—this includes covering the head with a scarf for women. Additionally, both men and women may need to remove their shoes upon entering these places of worship; an inexpensive pair of flip-flops can be taken along solely for these occasions if necessary.
For more formal occasions such as weddings or certain ceremonies, one may expect more elaborate traditional attire will be expected of guests; bright colors such as reds, oranges, or greens tend to be favored for this. Men may wish to wear suits with loose kaftans or jelabas (long Arab-style coats). Embroidered slippers are considered very stylish, but one’s discretion should also be respected when dressing according to the occasion; overly flashy jewelry or accessories signifying wealth are frowned upon in some circles.
Eating Habits
Eating habits in Morocco vary according to region and culture. However, some common customs should be followed. Meals are usually served family-style, with all dishes on the table or ground for everyone to share. Eating with the right hand is expected, and using the left hand is considered impolite.
Generally, when dining in Morocco, it is essential to respect the local customs and etiquette.
Table Manners
Moroccans start their meal with an array of salads that are eaten before the main course. It is not unusual for there to be at least four or five types of salads. Standard greetings are exchanged during the meal, as is often done during other kinds of meals in Morocco.
When eating, it is customary to keep both hands visible while eating. If possible, one should only eat with the right hand; however, a spoon and fork are supplied when eating stews and soup.
Table manners in Morocco include:
- Passing dishes between guests rather than helping oneself from a dish served to the group.
- Not talking with food in one’s mouth.
- Not staring at others while they are eating.
- Take special care of young children and women while socially engaging when they eat.
Eating habits differ among different ethnic groups, so it is best to ask if a guest has any special needs or requirements before the meal begins or shortly after it starts. Generally speaking, meals always end with tea or coffee, even if alcoholic beverages have been served beforehand.
Food Sharing
Food sharing is an integral part of Moroccan culture. Not only is it traditional to share food within families, but in many places, it’s customary to offer whatever food you have to strangers or friends visiting your home. When sharing a meal with family or guests, it’s best not to take more than what is offered. It can also be considered to send some of the meal homes with them.
In some regions of Morocco, people pour water on the hands of their guests before and after a meal as a sign of hospitality. When dining with others, it’s polite to wait until all diners are served before beginning, and typically one should not leave a large portion of food on their plate, as this may be interpreted as dissatisfaction with the meal.
Meals often begin with soup and/or salads, followed by couscous or tagine (meat stew), and seasonal fruits for dessert. It’s common for meals in Morocco to be served family-style so that each person can taste different dishes, and everyone will eat from the same plate or platter placed in the center of the table. Don’t forget that dining times vary between towns, so check local customs before committing to any fixed schedules!
Dining Out
Eating out in Morocco can be an enjoyable part of the culture. Tipping is expected no matter where you go. Whether it’s a restaurant or café, a 10% tip should be left on the table after you’ve enjoyed your meal.
It’s essential to make sure you use your right hand in Morocco, as it’s seen as impolite if you don’t, especially when you’re out dining and accepting food from your host. In addition, most restaurants have separate tiled floors for eating to keep them hygienic, so proper footwear is also essential.
When eating out at Moroccan restaurants, there are several customs to adhere to. Firstly, try not to start eating before anyone else has been served their meal, as this could be seen as impolite; instead, wait until everyone is ready and then begin eating together. Be sure to taste everything on offer and never leave any food on your plate when finished – it’s considered rude!
Moroccan menus vary from region to region, but the two staples of all meals will always consist of bread (khobz) and olives (lish). When the bread is offered during a meal, remember not to tear or break off pieces but instead accept it by lightly squeezing with both hands before lifting it gently in one piece from the tablecloth in front of you. It is important not to rush your meals; take time over every dish that is presented, so sit back and relax throughout – soaking up the atmosphere around you!
Social Interactions
In Morocco, social interactions are steeped in politeness and etiquette. For example, greeting people with a handshake is the customary greeting and a sign of courtesy and respect. In addition, when meeting someone for the first time, it is polite to address them as “sidi” or “sidiya,” which means sir or madam.
Eye contact is essential in social interactions, and looking away or avoiding eye contact may be viewed as a sign of disrespect. Respect for elders is highly valued, and the elderly are to be addressed very politely. It is also customary to bring a small gift when visiting someone’s home.
Conversation Topics
When conversing with locals in Morocco, it is essential to be mindful of the topics of conversation. For example, specific issues, such as the role of women, may be considered personal by older generations and should thus be avoided unless the discussion is welcomed. Similarly, discussing politics and religion is generally avoided unless welcome.
When discussing family matters, it is common for men and women to discuss separate issues; men are typically concerned with business matters, while women exchange family news. When visiting someone’s home in Morocco, it is polite to take off your shoes as soon as you enter; this rule applies no matter who you visit or where they live.
Typical conversation topics among Moroccans include:
- Food
- Travel experiences
- Berber culture
- Books and art
- Music and sports like soccer or horseback riding
- A variety of outdoor activities, such as camping and mountain climbing
- School-related topics can also be discussed between generations of people; it is common for grandparents and parents to discuss education-related news with their children or grandchildren even when they are no longer attending school.
Gender Roles
In Morocco, gender roles have been traditionally distinguishable at home and in the workplace. Men typically take on more of a leadership role at home, while women are often responsible for managing the day-to-day operations like child-rearing and housekeeping. Meanwhile, men are usually associated with a more robust presence as professional leaders in the workplace and educational sphere.
Traditionally, gender roles have been viewed as complementary rather than competitive. It is not uncommon for Moroccan men to help with errands or do household chores like cleaning when they return from work. Furthermore, Moroccan women may be involved in the job market through their commitment to the household remains central.
It is also important to note that although traditional gender roles strongly favor male leadership in Moroccan society and public space, education and employment opportunities for women have increased over time.
Therefore, it is essential to respect local customs by avoiding displays of affection between couples – including couples of different sexes – when in public places such as markets and restaurants. However, gender roles vary in rural/urban Morocco settings, so visitors should be mindful of their conduct while traveling within the country.
Public Displays of Affection
Public displays of affection between a couple, such as a hand holding and embracing, should be avoided in Morocco. Since displays of physical affection are frowned upon in the conservative Muslim culture, it is important to mind your behavior in public and be aware of what other couples around you may be doing. Some same-sex couples may feel more comfortable holding hands or embracing them than heterosexual couples, but it should still be done discreetly to avoid negative attention.
It is best not to engage in overt displays of affection while traveling through Morocco, especially outside touristy cities like Marrakesh or Casablanca. It’s important to remember that most people there use a lot of discretion when showing any PDA (Public Displays of Affection) and that this could draw unwanted attention or even anger from some local community members. It includes kissing each other on the lips and intense hugging; even joking around may draw stares from onlookers if done in public.
Gift Giving
Morocco is a culturally rich country with diverse customs and traditions. Gift-giving is integral to Moroccan culture and can leave a lasting impression on your hosts. Whether you are invited to a formal occasion or just spending time with locals, it is vital to understand the expectations and sensibilities around gift-giving.
In this section, we will discuss the ins and outs of gifting in Morocco.
Appropriate Gifts
Appropriate gifts include practical, helpful, and respectful of local beliefs. For example, expensive and ornate jewelry may be inappropriate, as it may not be in line with Islamic beliefs concerning the display of wealth. Likewise, do not give alcohol, especially not to Muslims, and during religious holidays, as it is forbidden in Islam.
It is also appropriate to give functional items such as clothes, tea sets, or kitchen sets when visiting homes for celebrations (such as weddings). It is common for friends in Morocco to exchange small gifts; people will often bring trinkets or souvenirs when visiting someone’s home. Gifts should be opened when received by the host, if possible.
Educational items like books are also appreciated; they represent knowledge and progress. Books on Moroccan culture written in English or French can make excellent gifts. Do not offer bribes; this is both offensive and illegal. Lastly, do not open a facility your host offers until you leave his/her house.
Gift Wrapping
When giving a gift in Morocco, it is essential to pay attention to the customs. You should never offer a gift with your left hand because this is considered disrespectful. Follow the rules of etiquette and give your presentation with two hands or one hand resting on the other.
When giving expensive gifts, add paper wrapping – not only does it give off a professional look, but quality wrapping also emphasizes your gift’s value so that the receiver doesn’t feel uncomfortable.
The wrapping paper you use should not be too decorated and usually should be of lighter colors – white and pastel colors such as light blue and pink are common choices for formal occasions; there are also vibrant red and green brightly-colored variations for more joyous ones. You can choose tissue paper or dark colored papers or papers decorated with geometric designs (for closer family members) instead of lighter pastel tones on festive occasions like weddings or birthdays. Make sure all gift packages have their coverings knotted securely around them with string or twine; this symbolizes a strong bond between the giver and receiver.
Gift Refusal
It is customary for a host or guest of honor to refuse gifts a few times before eventually accepting them in Morocco. Gift-giving is an important part of social etiquette in Morocco, and it should be seen as an act of generosity and kindness that should not be refused outright. Refusal to accept a gift will be seen as an insult to your host and may even be taken as an insult.
When offering or receiving a gift, it is crucial to use both hands. This gesture shows respect between parties and conveys vulnerability since one momentarily has their hands empty. If you are the one offered the gift, do not open it in front of the person who has given it; respect mandates that one should wait until they are alone before opening any presents they have received from someone else.
Due to religious customs, alcohol cannot typically be given as gifts in Muslim households, so avoid this if possible. And remember that people usually like small tokens more than large presents; too much extravagance can embarrass or even insult your recipient. Finally, always avoid giving anything of blue or green colors since these colors are associated with Islam and may cause offense among certain population members.