In Morocco, like in much of the Eastern world, smoke rituals are integral to certain ceremonies. Plants are left to smoulder slowly, like incense, on the occasion of a birth, circumcision or wedding night. A smoke ritual is an offering to God that he might bless the happy event, or to the spirits, whose good graces one is aiming to secure. Smoke rituals are also meant to protect a house and its inhabitants from evil beings - the jealous djinn always ready to stir up a little chaos.
Infertility, loss of sex drive, impotence, the reconciliation of estranged lovers - it is all a matter of bewitching and unbewitching, and the women are always quick to fill the air with smoke from just the right herb. It's clear why suppliers of plants and herbs for smoke rituals are so common here - their goods are essential when confronting the powers of the spirit world.
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