Berber Wedding Blanket

Handira is drawing attention of people from all over the world nowadays. These are very good-looking blankets which in reality are the capes worn by a bride (Berber) on the day of her wedding. The relatives of the bride make it with their hands and to make a Handira, many weeks are consumed. A bride wears them lengthways and it is attached around the shoulders with two ties. The two ties might still be attached to your wedding blanket.

History and Belief

The roots are attached to ancient times and the existence of Handira is from the Imazighen or Berbers (their real names) and these are prepared with cotton or wool. Classically they are equipped with fluffy fringes which runs through them and they are beautified with traditional Kilim fabric and many sequins. The reason behind these attachments is the belief that they bring good luck and evil spirits are kept away with them. It is also believed that these blankets provide fertility to the bride. Whenever they are at bed’s end or hung on wall, they are amazing and are definitely a wonderful gift for wedding. The size of vintage Handira is normally around 1 x 2 meters, but presently there are variations in size.

The Reason for Global Popularity

The main reason for the speedy popularity of Handira all over the world is basically because of the Neutral colors used in them. These neutral colors make them fit to any room and the uniqueness of these blankets is the sparkle used in them. As available in different designs and patterns, one can have many and make a collection of their own. This way one can have many blankets each made up of different material, colors, and designs. They are also very popular because they reflect the skills of a woman and thus are a source of satisfaction. This implies that a Handira is the finest product from amazing women.

A Traditional Art Rising Again

This is an artwork having the roots to Morocco. The word ‘Handira’ is an Arabic word and many people in Morocco are not familiar with this word. They call Moroccan wedding blankets as ‘Tamizart’. Prior to few years, these much in demand after and beautiful blankets were not as popular as today and thus were worthless. But, the time has changed and now it is not the same thing. These are gaining global popularity and globally, a Handira of white/cream color has become very popular. It is an ethnic home décor product which is originally associated with tiny rural villages in the tribal regions of Ait Sdik and this region is known to produce vintage wedding blankets. The real and original vintage blankets are not only very rare and hard to find but also are very expensive.

If one is looking for something traditional and beautiful (as this is also the trend) for his/her wedding, they can enhance their most important day of life with an amazing piece of art, Handira.