In Morocco, certain celebrations remain deeply rooted in tradition, often marked by unique customs that differ from modern practices. For instance, when a baby is born in rural Moroccan villages, the news isn’t typically shared via social media. Instead, there is a cultural practice where a special woman helps deliver the baby. Once the newborn arrives, the announcement is made through a traditional high-pitched sound created with the tongue, known as “zaghrouta.” Only women make this sound, as it’s believed men find it difficult due to their Adam’s apple. The sound spreads from one household to another as women across the village reply back, signaling that the news of the newborn has reached everyone. The villagers then visit the house with gifts, food, and blessings for the mother and child.
This custom reflects a broader belief in Morocco—many families prefer to keep the baby out of the public eye to protect the child from the “evil eye” or negative energy. Notably, the baby remains unnamed until the seventh day after birth, a significant day known as Saboua (meaning “seventh”). The number seven holds mystical significance in Morocco, symbolizing various things such as the seven skies, seven earths, seven days of the week, and seven saints. On this day, the family sacrifices a sheep, officially names the child, and registers the baby at the local civil registry.
Naming customs also have historical and cultural importance in Morocco. Some foreign names are not accepted unless they have religious meaning, and Amazigh names were banned until 2012, when King Mohammed VI’s constitutional reforms allowed Berbers to name their children freely, as well as made the Amazigh language an official language of the kingdom.
Another key celebration is circumcision, traditionally performed after the child has completed two years of breastfeeding. In many cases, families wait until they can afford to host a large celebration, as circumcision is done only for boys. I remember, at age six, running away from home on the day of my own circumcision, fully aware of what was to come. A month later, I started primary school—and thankfully, circumcision is only once in a lifetime! These days, many families opt for a doctor’s office procedure for their sons, typically within a month of birth, as it is less painful.
Circumcision celebrations involve cooking lamb shanks and boiled eggs for the boy, who also receives money and other gifts—an incentive for the little ones to embrace the tradition. While this event usually lasts just one day, it is nonetheless an important milestone, much like weddings in Morocco, which often span several days, as we’ve discussed in previous posts.
