Moroccan Wedding Blankets

I love the tradition behind Moroccan wedding blankets.  The bride-to-be's mother typically begins weaving the blanket when the girl is young, as part of her dowry.  They are woven of undyed wool and cotton, and are often decorated with bands of colorful talismanic symbols and sequins.  These decorative items are said to protect the couple from evil and also to reflect the light from the sun and nighttime fires.

 It's a vanishing art form, and these blankets are getting difficult to find, but if you're interested in purchasing one, visit Beyond Marrakesh. All photos below are a small sampling from their website. Aren't they extraordinary?