Berber Traditions Summary

Berbers comes from the word Barbarians given by the Romans. Berbers are a group of people that live in northern Africa. They live in different areas, some in desert regions and others in the Atlas Mountains. There are many Berber groups or tribes scattered all over, speaking in many different dialects.

An important Berber tradition is music. Berber music has been alive for years. It is only one of its kind. There are numerous music styles that have upbeat African rhythms. Musicians perform in small bands, traveling from village to village singing and dancing. This musician’s music entertains the people at weddings and social occasions. During the music the musicians would sing and chant along. Some of the songs tell beautiful tales or stories and poetry.

The food is also important to the Berber traditions; there are many exquisite traditional dishes. Berbers make the most scrumptious dishes. Almost every dish is flavored with olive oil and sometimes contains some Arab spices such as cinnamon, condemn, and nutmeg. Couscous which is a classic dish is one of the most popular. It is served in every part of Morocco. The couscous is made out of wheat. Along with it comes vegetables and meat. The tajine is also another traditional dish. It is served in a dome-shaped dish with its triangular cover. The tajine also includes vegetables and meat. mechoui which is roasted lamb and the pastilla are both popular dishes. The pastilla is a layered pastry that contains pigeon meat and scrambled eggs. Lastly, for breakfast Berbers have boujeje which compares to the American pancakes. During a meal excluding breakfast, the Berbers eat harissa, a hot pepper sauce. Lastly, for desert Berbers have fruits, nuts, and pastries.

The Berbers have many other traditions and they have several beliefs. The Berbers believe in the power of the color blue. Many doorways and windows around are painted in this color. They believe that blue wards off evil spirits. Another belief the Berbers have is the Holy Koran. The men even wear protective mullets that have verses from the Koran. As a tradition, Berbers put on Henna which is important to Islam. It is a plant that is used to dye skin or hair. To be creative Berbers make designs with it on their hands and feet. It is generally put on for weddings and special occasions.

All in all, The Berber traditions are very powerful and should be kept alive everlastingly. Without any of these traditions the culture would have no value. It is all very inspiring, special, and everyone wants to discover it.