Change in Death Rituals: The Case of the Ritualistic Wailing in the Amazigh Culture

Recently, Morocco has witnessed a number of mutations at the social, economic and political levels. The state of culture stands witness to these changes and the rituals of death are a case in point. In this regard, the present paper seeks to investigate the wailing ritual and provide an account for its current state. Particular focus will be put on the major role which education has played in shaping the target community’s perceptions of the custom. The study was carried out among Ayt Merghad, an Amazigh tribe in the south of Morocco. The Ayt Merghad culture provides an ideal source of data for the analysis of the changes witnessed by the rituals of death with respect to the process of socio-economic development in Morocco. It has been found that self-punishment behaviors have been eradicated in death ceremonies; whereas the wailing practice is still in evidence. The custom is deeply rooted in the old women’s psyche that they find it difficult to abandon. However, with the raised awareness of the irreligious aspect of wailing, the young generation rarely goes beyond crying.

Source: World Journal of Islamic History and Civilization

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