Chapter 2 (Level 2): Jessica’s Adventures in Marrakech

The next day, I bumped into Lina on our way to the park, and I couldn’t wait to ask her about the upcoming wedding. “Lina, I’m so excited about the wedding, but I have no idea what to wear. Can you give me some guidance?” I asked, hoping she could help me out.

Lina smiled and replied, “Jessica, for weddings in Morocco, women typically wear a traditional dress called a ‘takchita.’”

“Takchi … what ?” I asked.

“Takchita!” Lina repeated, laughing. “It’s a stunning outfit that showcases our culture and style.”

I was intrigued but also I had no idea how a takchita looked like. Lina quickly pulled out her phone and showed me pictures of women in vibrant and elegant takchitas. The dresses were adorned with intricate embroidery and beautiful details. I was mesmerized by their beauty.

“But where can I buy a takchita?” I asked, eager to find the perfect one for the wedding.

Lina explained, “In Morocco, many women prefer to have their takchitas tailored specifically for them. There are talented tailors who can create a custom design that fits you perfectly and reflects your personal style.”

Excitement surged within me as I imagined wearing a one-of-a-kind takchita. “Lina, the wedding is in just two days. Do you think I can get one made in time?” I asked hopefully. Lina burst into laughter and replied, “Jessica, creating a takchita is a work of art that requires time and great skills. It typically takes at least 10 days to complete. But don’t worry, I’m sure we can find a solution. Let’s explore some options together!”

Excitedly, I rushed back home to share the news with my mother about the takchita. As soon as I entered our apartment, I found her in the living room, engrossed in a book. I couldn’t contain my enthusiasm and blurted out, “Mom, I found out what to wear for the wedding!”

My mother looked up, a smile lighting up her face. “That’s wonderful, Jessica! What did you find?”

I explained to her that Lina had told me about the takchita, a traditional Moroccan dress that women wear to special occasions like weddings. However, I had no idea where to find one. To my surprise, my mother’s eyes sparkled with recognition. “I remember now,” she said, her voice filled with excitement. “Nassima, the lovely lady who works at the riad, mentioned takchitas during one of our conversations. She said it’s possible to rent them for such occasions.”

My heart leaped with joy. It seemed like fate was guiding us in the right direction. My mother wasted no time and dialed Nassima’s number. As she spoke to her, I could hear the anticipation in her voice. She was asking for directions to the place where we could rent takchitas.To our surprise and delight, Nassima offered more than just directions. She insisted on accompanying us personally to find the perfect takchitas.

The next day, Nassima met us at the riad, her warm smile putting us at ease. We embarked on a journey through the vibrant streets of Marrakech, guided by Nassima’s intimate knowledge of the city. We reached a charming boutique nestled in a busy alley, hidden from the lively streets. The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by a burst of colors and the tantalizing scent of fabrics. The shop owner, a friendly woman with a warm smile, welcomed us warmly. As we browsed through racks of takchitas, I couldn’t contain my excitement. The dresses were a feast for the eyes. With Nassima’s guidance, we carefully selected the perfect takchitas for the wedding.

On the day of the wedding, my mother and I headed to a nearby salon to get our hair done. As we sat in the salon chairs, my mum and I talked about my brother, Jacob, who had gone on an exciting trip to the countryside with Yassine and his family. I couldn’t help but wonder what adventures they were having.

The wedding itself was truly an extraordinary experience. It was a women-only ceremony, separate from the men’s celebration. My father joined the men in a different location, while my mother and I immersed ourselves in the joyous atmosphere of the women’s gathering.

The dresses worn by the guests were absolutely stunning. The vibrant colors and intricate designs adorned each woman, and made them look like royalty. The aroma of Moroccan dishes filled the air, making our mouths water in anticipation. It was a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

As the wedding ceremony unfolded, all the women were chanting and ululating. Intrigued by the melodic sounds, I turned to Lina and asked her about their meaning. Lina explained that the chants were a way to glorify Prophet Mohammed, and she even showed me how to ululate. Excited to give it a try, I found an empty and quiet room, closed the door behind me, and attempted to ululate. However, despite my best efforts, I couldn’t quite capture the same mesmerizing rhythm and pitch. Suddenly, I looked out of the open window, and Lina’s mom was laughing at my unsuccessful ululating attempts. I was very embarrassed !

One tradition that fascinated me was the bride and groom wearing different outfits throughout the celebration. Each outfit was more beautiful than the last, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Morocco. I felt honored to have the opportunity to take a picture with the radiant bride and groom, along with my mother and Lina. It was a moment of pure happiness and a memory I would treasure forever.

As I experienced the wedding ceremony in Morocco, memories of my aunt Grace’s wedding in the UK flooded my mind. Two years ago, I witnessed a beautiful union in a grand church surrounded by elegant decorations and a serene atmosphere. The ceremony in the UK was a formal affair, with everyone dressed in traditional Western wedding attire. The bride wore a white gown, and the groom donned a stylish suit. The atmosphere was more subdued compared to the lively celebration I just witnessed in Morocco.

In contrast, the Moroccan wedding was a vibrant and festive occasion filled with colors, music, and joyful energy. The venue was beautifully adorned with intricate designs and vibrant fabrics. Instead of a mixed gathering, the wedding in Morocco followed a tradition of separating men and women for the ceremony. It was fascinating to see the women dressed in stunning takchitas, while the men had their own separate celebration. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, singing, and dancing, creating an electrifying ambiance that kept everyone in high spirits.

Glossary:

Adorned – decorated or embellished

Mesmerized – fascinated or captivated

Tailored – custom-made or specifically designed

Anticipation – a feeling of excitement or expectation

Feast – a large and elaborate meal

Palate – the sense of taste or the roof of the mouth.

Immersed – deeply involved or engaged in something

Ululating – a high-pitched vocal expression of joy or celebration

Glorify – to honor or praise

Melodic – pleasant-sounding or musical

Rhythm – a regular pattern of beats or sounds

Pitch – the highness or lowness of a sound

Attempt – to try or make an effort

Embarrassed – feeling self-conscious or ashamed

Radiant – glowing or shining brightly

Serene – calm or peaceful

Subdued – quiet or restrained

Venue – a location where an event takes place

Festive – celebratory or joyful

Ambiance – the atmosphere or mood of a place

High spirits – a state of cheerfulness or excitement

Comprehension Questions:

Answer in a comment below: write your full name and class.

1. How did the atmosphere at the Moroccan wedding differ from the atmosphere at the wedding in the UK?
2. What is a traditional dress worn by women in Morocco for special occasions?

Multiple Choice:

1. How long does it typically take to create a takchita?

a) 1 day

b) 5 days

c) 10 days

d) 20 days

2. What is the purpose of the chants and ululating during the wedding ceremony?

a) To celebrate the bride and groom

b) To honor Prophet Mohammed

c) To entertain the guests

d) To bring good luck to the newlyweds

3. How did the attire of the men and women differ during the Moroccan wedding?

a) Both men and women wore traditional takchitas.

b) Men wore suits while women wore takchitas.

c) Men wore traditional Moroccan garments, and women wore Western attire.

d) Men and women wore the same outfits.