Handira
Our sequined, creamy Moroccan wedding blankets offer the truest taste of the traditional Berber culture. Popularly known as Handira, these wedding blankets are woven from sheep’s wool, linen, and cotton. Similar to most household accessories in the Berber culture, the handiras come from women from the Middle and High Atlas Mountains of Morocco.
History of Handira
There are different Berber tribes and the major Berber language Tamazight is Shelha. The tribes, credited for the Handira, are those from the Middle Atlas area of Morocco near the Beni Ouarain (also the name of beautiful geometric rugs created by the same tribe).
Traditionally, the Handira is woven by female relatives of the bride in anticipation of a wedding. It is a collaborative work that involves attaching hundreds of look-alike sequins when weaving is done. It is said that female relatives of the bride take this opportunity to teach the soon-to-be wife marital expectations and duties, honey collection and bees, among other things. The bride wears the Handira around her neck like some type of cape as she heads to her new home after the wedding. This blanket is an indication that a wedding is not a marital bliss and she should be ready for whatever comes.
Berbers use visual and object motifs to indicate a lot of things. The textile is hand woven in the belief that this will endow the final product with blessings (baraka). Mindful weaving also ensures that the blanket will not just function as a decoration or warmth for the bride but also a good luck charm for the newlyweds, bestow fertility and ward off evil spirits.
The Handira is mostly made using neutral colors, although there are handiras accented with groups of kilim patterns. There are also recliner boxes or lines of texture that are featured in handmade Moroccan blankets for an extra traditional feeling. The sequins which are carefully attached towards the completion of the process give the blankets a touch of sophistication.
The Berber tribes created the Handira because they wanted a new bride to be warm on her trip to her new home. But today, these blankets have become an icon of fashion and style even for the modern homes.
Handira for Blessings
According to the Berber tradition, Handira blankets are said to hold blessings and good fortune for newlywed couples. We sew our blankets using certain techniques to ensure they feel as special as they look. You can incorporate them in your couch or use them as your travel blanket or as a bed cover.
Our Handira blankets come in a variety of designs. We have pure black and white blankets that can accessorize your bed and bring out a feeling of purity. The materials used, including high-quality sheep wool, linen and cotton, are natural and undyed. The shiny metal sequins and patterned kilim bands that are used in decorating the blankets will make you feel like a new bride.
The Berber tribes created the Handira because they wanted a new bride to be warm on her trip to her new home. But today, these blankets have become an icon of fashion and style even for the modern homes.
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