Tradition &Modernity

Beginning at five in the afternoon the womenfolk gathered to sit in one end of the large hall to enjoy their party. A female music group beat out a lively tune while a number of women and girls danced together and others joined in with rhythmic clapping. Four hours later the men arrived along with two all-male music groups. They were ushered to the far end of the hall, separated from the women. The women stopped dancing immediately because of the need for heightened modesty due to the male presence.

It was the wedding celebration of Ahmed and Fatima. Throughout Morocco, the two very different worlds of tradition and modernity exist side by side. Many parents go in search of a bride for their sons who may have only a pressured "yea or nay" to say concerning their selection. In urban areas a groom may wear a modern business suit and tie for one photo, then change into a traditional robe called a "djellaba" for the next. Newlyweds do not dance at their wedding celebrations but often sit still for hours just watching the festivities. The bride often does not smile. On her wedding night, she is expected to produce proof of her virginity.

There is growing tension between tradition and modernity in Morocco as the younger generation is exposed to modern Western ways primarily through television and film. "When you marry, will your wedding be like this?" I asked Ahmed's brother Rashid. "No!" he said, "This is too traditional! When I get married, I'm going to choose my own bride. My wedding is going to be modern!"

"Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has
made herself ready." Revelation 19:7

Pray that what is good in Moroccan tradition might be recognized and retained by modern generations and that what is bad in modern culture might be rejected.
Pray that the Moroccan church will become a bastion of redeemed Moroccan tradition and will develop some of its own new culturally relevant traditions.
Pray that the growing openness to embracing new things will include an openness to receive new life in Christ.

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مواقع عربية