The tyafer is a deep-rooted tradition in Moroccan culture and is linked to the most transcendental moment in the lives of Moroccans: the marriage union. The quality of their manufacture is taken care of to the maximum and the families spare no expense for it. In this post we tell you exactly what a tyafer is and if it can also serve as a nice souvenir of your trip to this country.
What is a tyafer in Morocco and when is it delivered?
The tyafer are a kind of small containers composed of a base and a conical lid, in what can be considered a nod to another omnipresent element of Moroccan culture: the clay pots used for cooking tajines. In this case they are larger and are designed to store other objects inside.
They attract attention because they are lined with shiny fabrics and embroidery, giving a refined air to the ensemble. The larger ones have small legs or supports on which they rest, allowing the tyafer to become a sort of table or small decorative piece of furniture.
The tyafer is loaded with symbolism because it marks a very special moment: it is a gift given by a groom to his fiancée on the day his family visits her family in order to get to know each other better and discuss the marriage. The bride’s family, for their part, will have prepared a reception in keeping with the occasion, so the richness of the tyafer must be up to the task.
What is in the tyafer?
On this visit, the groom presents the tyafer to his bride and her family. When the lid is lifted, they discover the valuable gifts it contains. There is no written law about what a tyafer must bring, but they usually have traditional foods to taste during the meeting as well as other gifts that the bride-to-be will keep throughout her life as a very precious commodity.
For example, dates and cakes, ideal to accompany the tea that will surely be part of the ceremony, are usually among the foods present in a tyafer. As for the other gifts, rich silk and other fabrics, with matching embroidery and glossy finish, stand out.
Henna bags are also common in these tyafer, as it is a very appreciated resource for women to embellish their body in special moments. And of course, jewelry of great value, which the bride will wear on important occasions throughout her life.
Can a tyafer serve as a travel souvenir?
As we have seen, the tyafer is conceived as a touching wedding gift, in one of the essential stages prior to the wedding ceremony. However, if you feel special attraction for the culture of Morocco, you can get one and give it another use, such as decorating your home or as a container for special gifts.
The richest and most exclusive tyafer are often made to order, with craftsmen specializing in this type of tailoring. However, you may also find them already made at other craft stalls, so you should have no problem finding them, either empty or with other gifts inside.
We remind you that one of the professionals who can provide Chic Morocco for your trip is the personal shopper. Therefore, you can rely on their experience, taste and contacts to get the best tyafer in Morocco. And of course, with this professional you can also ‘fill’ this container with great gifts or travel souvenirs.
