Moroccan Wedding Blanket
AZILAL RUGMoroccan wedding blankets, or handira, are an ancient Berber tradition and are created in anticipation of a wedding by the bride’s female relatives. One-of-a-kind moroccan wedding blankets are a beautiful example of the weaving of the women of the Beni Ourain Tribe in the Atlas Mountains. Woven in soft cotton and wool with naturally colored stripes of white on white, this lovely hand-made textile is also accented with silver. They are woven on looms by hand out of sheep’s wool, cotton and linen. Tradition and skill passed from generation to generation. This thoughtful process of hand weaving infuses the blanket with blessings, and when complete, it is not only functional and beautiful, but is a symbol of fertility and good luck. Prospective brides and their relatives patiently take several weeks working to attach the hundreds of mirrored sequins to the blanket. During these hours of sewing, the bride’s relatives teach her about her marital duties and expectations.Upon completion of the blanket, the nuptials are performed and the bride is draped in her blanket as she travels to her husband’s home. The blanket serves as a cape of sorts that is secured around the neck with often-elaborate ties. It is also believed that the blankets have a talismanic power and that it will protect its user from the evil eye.