Mut l-ard

Mut l-ard

May 17This is believed to be the first day of summer in Morocco, and the word mut l-ard means "death of the earth." Various rituals performed on this day by different tribes are designed to ward off evil and danger. For example, it is believed that rising at dawn and taking a bath will strengthen the body, and there is a taboo against sleeping, which is believed to result in a loss of courage. A special dish made from barley, fresh milk or buttermilk, and the root of a plant called bûzeffur is prepared and eaten on this day in the belief that it will make the people strong and ward off evil. In some areas it is believed that a husband's affections will waver on this day, and that the wife should therefore make herself as attractive as possible by using cosmetics.
SOURCES:
FolkWrldHol-1999, p. 359