How do you eat food cooked with tears? This was the recent question of condemnation that spread on social media in Morocco. It’s a clear call to abandon the tradition of eating funeral meals and not burden the families who have lost a loved one with the duty of preparing feasts for guests.

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This initiative was launched for the first time by residents of the villages in the municipality of Mers in the Boulmane region (northern Morocco, south of the city of Fes) as an acknowledgment of the need to abandon the custom of eating funeral meals, obligating the men and women of the area who are offering condolences to do so.

“Offer condolences and leave”

This decision came during a meeting held by the residents of the mentioned region, documented in a report published on one of the local community pages of Mers.

“The burden of providing food to those who offer condolences to the family of the deceased is, in most cases, unbearable for them given their circumstances. It may raise suspicion of wrongfully consuming the orphans’ money and infringing upon their rights, despite the potential benefits from some aspects.”

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The participants also committed to “not eating during condolences and abandoning this custom from funeral rituals, for both men and women, as an embodiment of respecting the deceased and their family, and to offer condolences at the time of burial without returning to the deceased’s home except in cases of extreme necessity.”

Profitable Trade

The initiative to abandon the tradition of eating funeral meals sparked a deep discussion on social media, pointing out the harm it causes to families. In some areas, funerals have become lavish ceremonies, organized with almost the same fervor as weddings. Some families resort to renowned event organizers to arrange a grand feast.

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In this regard, Jamal Haddadi, a researcher in social phenomena, commented, saying: “Some funerals have become costly rituals, sometimes even devouring the family’s savings. Tents are built and furnished, in addition to providing food that can last for days, from 3 to 7 to 10 days according to traditions. Specific dishes are also prepared for those who come to offer condolences, not to mention chanting and lamenting as per customary practice, with separate male and female chanting groups, along with photography and documentation services. In the end, it has become a profitable trade.”

Wide-ranging Discussion

The initiative launched by residents of the villages in the Boulmane region had a widespread impact in Moroccan cities. The hashtag “Offer Condolences and Leave” spread across all Moroccan cities, calling for an end to this tradition that some see as a disregard for the feelings of the deceased’s family.

This hashtag transcended Morocco’s borders, spreading to Egypt and Jordan, where tweeters called for a break from the tradition of funeral meals and to simply offer condolences and depart without embarrassing the family of the deceased.