This reading comprehension lesson explores the theme of Celebrations through an original passage describing a traditional Moroccan wedding, followed by vocabulary work to deepen your understanding of the text.
Reading Passage: A Traditional Moroccan Wedding
Last summer, I attended my cousin Salma’s wedding in Fez, an event that lasted three unforgettable days. On the first evening, the women gathered for the henna ceremony, where an artist decorated Salma’s hands and feet with delicate patterns that were believed to bring good luck. Everyone sang traditional songs while sipping sweet mint tea. The second day was reserved for the official ceremony, which took place in a beautifully decorated hall filled with flowers and soft lantern light. Salma wore several different caftans throughout the evening, a custom that shows the many stages of a Moroccan bride’s transformation. Musicians played live music that kept guests dancing until midnight, and a huge banquet was served, including couscous, roasted lamb and pastilla. On the final day, close relatives who had travelled from other cities gathered for a quieter family lunch to say goodbye. What impressed me most was the incredible hospitality of the hosts, who made sure that every single guest, whether family or friend, felt truly welcome. It was a celebration I will never forget.
Vocabulary in Context
- henna ceremony — a pre-wedding event where the bride’s hands and feet are decorated with a reddish-brown dye for good luck.
- caftan — a long, traditional Moroccan robe, often richly decorated, worn on special occasions.
- banquet — a large, formal meal served to celebrate a special occasion.
- transformation — the process of changing from one form or state to another.
- hospitality — the friendly and generous treatment of guests.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1 — How many days did Salma’s wedding celebration last?
Exercise 2 — What happened during the henna ceremony, and what was it believed to bring?
Exercise 3 — Why did Salma wear several different caftans during the wedding?
Exercise 4 — What food was served at the banquet, according to the passage?
Exercise 5 — Find a defining relative clause in the passage that describes the hosts, and copy it exactly.
Exercise 6 — In your own words, explain what impressed the writer the most about the wedding.
Answer Key
Answer 1 — The wedding celebration lasted three days.
Answer 2 — An artist decorated Salma’s hands and feet with delicate patterns during the henna ceremony, which was believed to bring good luck.
Answer 3 — She wore several caftans because it is a custom that shows the many stages of a Moroccan bride’s transformation.
Answer 4 — Couscous, roasted lamb and pastilla were served at the banquet.
Answer 5 — ‘the hosts, who made sure that every single guest, whether family or friend, felt truly welcome.’
Answer 6 — Answers will vary. Example: The writer was most impressed by the genuine hospitality and warmth the hosts showed to every guest.
