The westernmost country of the African continent has much in common with European states, therefore it will not be so difficult for our "man" to find a social orientation in it. However, it is worthwhile before the trip to get acquainted with some traditions and customs of Morocco , because, like in any other place on Earth, they are unique and obligatory for execution. Observing the accepted etiquette and traditions of the country, you show respect for it and show gratitude for hospitality, which is simply necessary if you consider yourself a well-bred person.
Traditions of hospitality
Perhaps, it is worth starting with the most significant tradition of Morocco, which concerns hospitality. Moroccans are a people of a broad soul, and, as is customary in the CIS countries, they are always welcome to the guests. The guest in the Berber house is the main person, who is always surrounded by the warmth and care of the owners, and for whom the best dishes will be served and all the rules of the hospitable reception will be observed.
Please note that, according to the tradition of hospitality in Morocco, it is not customary to come into the house empty-handed. If you are invited to a family dinner, be sure to go for a small souvenir and fruit. Never neglect this tradition, because it depends on how the evening will pass and the attitude towards you in general.
Shoes are usually left at the doorstep, although you most likely do so, because we are used to doing so. Slippers will not be given to you; in Moroccan homes it is customary to walk barefoot.
Features of behavior at the table
So, you came with a gift, but do not know how to behave at the table - no cutlery, usual for us, no herrings with mashed potatoes on the table. Instead, in the center of the table is a dish of wheat cereals - this is the traditional Moroccan couscous. He is eaten on Fridays with his family, discussing all the vital issues and the affairs of the household. Do not be surprised that there is not a fork or spoon on the table. The fact is that in Morocco it is customary to eat with their own hands - they are, they say, much cleaner than some devices that are not clear who used and washed before. Note that they do not eat with both hands, but only with the right, taking food with three fingers. Before you serve the first dish, you will find two small bowls in front of you. One of them will be with a special liquid, and the other with water. So Berbers wash their hands before eating and after. You will need, after the example of others sitting at the table, to wash your hands, push the bowl away, and then prepare for the most pleasant one - for dinner.
During the meal, do not get carried away with bread - they treat him very respectfully here, so they save and eat with great dignity. As for drinks, do not expect that you will pour a huge mug of fragrant tea. No, it's not because the Berbers are greedy. On the contrary, tea is poured in small quantities, so that later you can add and you can always drink hot, tasty tea. Do not give up the second and third cups of tea, because only the refusal of the fourth will not take offense at you.
Alcohol in Morocco is a rarity, guests do not drink it and even tea is customary for a wedding. This is connected with religion, since Islam implies a complete rejection of this "devilish swill".
My tongue is my enemy
Conversations during dinner can be very different. The Moroccans are not strangers to the conversation about their personal lives, about work and people. The people here chat very much, and they do not feel embarrassed at all. However, avoid talking about religion. Muslims are sensitive to their faith, so one of your careless words can hurt your interlocutor very much. If you like to communicate with a person, but his faith seems strange to you - better keep silent. Atheist you, Catholic or Orthodox - it does not matter, you will not be forced to impose Islam, but you also accept the way of life of another person and in no case show him your disregard for his personal rules. Otherwise, you show yourself as a stupid, impolite and ungrateful person who should not have been invited into the house.
Behavior in public places
How do you sometimes wonder when you get to another country, but it seems as if you have been brought to another world. Morocco , its special culture and traditions is a big surprise for the Russian tourist; even the usual things can be a huge mistake on the Berber territory. For example, if you are a woman, you will be demanded of very reserved and extremely modest behavior. You can not smile at men or treat them. This can be considered a flirtation, and then you are unlikely to be left behind.
Do not wear in Morocco what you wear in the summer at home - women here cover almost the whole body, and open clothing is not just a mauveton, but even a sign of vulgar behavior. Meet, as they say, on clothes, so try to leave the impression of a decent and modest woman, in order to protect themselves and not fall face to face in front of the local. Women wear a long dress here - jelly, and on their heads each should have a handkerchief. These clothes are ideal for the climatic conditions of the country and the rules dictated by the Koran.
Being outside the hotel room , do not cuddle or kiss with a person close to you. Tactile communication in people here is not welcome. When meeting or meeting with a man of his sex, you can kiss him three times purely symbolically and consolidate an acquaintance with a handshake, and it is better not to touch people of the opposite sex at all. You can nod a girl or shake her hand, but no more. In no case do not kiss the girl or the woman's hand, it will be accepted as an impudent molestation.
Tourist? Pay it!
For any, even a very insignificant service, Morocco will have to pay. If you want to take a photo of a passerby, pay him. If you want to ask the way, pay. In cafes and restaurants, tips in the form of 10-15% of the amount are required, and they are not included in the bill. Tipping is never left on the table - it is considered a disrespect to the place where you were fed. For this reason, always tip the waiter from hand to hand. To any people who have done you a favor, it is worth leaving 2 to 10 dirhams. Car washing machines usually leave 5-6 dirhams, and cleaners about 7-8. In any case, do not be greedy. The most money will go on excursions. On the tip, the driver and guide are taken off by the whole bus of 5-20 dirhams. If the tour was individual, do not skimp on a relatively large amount in the form of 100 dirhams to your escort.
Moroccans do not live well, so a tip is a natural and self-evident way of expressing their gratitude when in our country this role is played by courtesy.
Ramadan to Morocco
Every year in Morocco is a great holiday - the holy month of Ramadan. It is believed that it was in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar that Allah gave the Prophet Mohammed the main book for Muslims - the Koran. During Ramadan, life in the country seems to freeze. The fasting begins, most of the shops and cafes do not work or shorten the working day. Muslims honor the traditions and customs of this month, so do not even try to persuade their new acquaintances to break them. Respect the sacredness and importance of Ramadan for the local people, do not show your indifference to the observance of the customs of this long and great celebration.