In my journey to understand and immerse myself in cultural norms in Morocco, one aspect of Moroccan culture that interested me is the way they greet each other. This greeting is a reflection of my previous notions of the country’s emphasis on warmth, respect, and community. The greeting is a cheek kiss involving a handshake between men in which there are then a series of light cheek kisses, typically starting with the left cheek and depending on person and region ranges from two to three kisses in total. This gesture is not just formality as it does not happen all the time so if you are engaged in one it is an expression of connection. It transcends the simple act of greeting, especially what we have in America, this greeting embodies the Moroccan spirit of hospitality and the importance of maintaining strong relationships. One thing I learned was the versatility of this practice. The number of kisses can vary depending on region and the personal relationship between the individuals. When it is someone I just met, a handshake for a male would suffice and a hand over my heart with a salam would do just fine for a female. However the more you know this person the more involved the greeting becomes. If you are really close to the person you do cheek kisses then go in for a hug. By participating in this greeting, individuals are not just acknowledging each other’s presence but are reinforcing their social bonds with the person. Doing this practice has impacted my engagement with Morocco and its culture. It has allowed me to appreciate non-verbal communication’s importance in fostering connections and understanding cultural nuances. Participating in the cheek kiss has allowed me to facilitate more meaningful interactions with locals through Moroccan social etiquette.
