The history of the Moroccan Hammam
The word hammam comes from the Arabic meaning “house of steam, house of warmth”. It can be compared to a public bath house for the community. Hammam tradition was brought to Morocco by the Romans, who built the first public baths in the country. These baths were not only used for bathing but also served as places for social gatherings and political discussions. As the Arab conquerors came to Morocco in the seventh century, they adopted the Roman bath tradition and introduced the use of steam, which became an essential element of the hammam ritual.
Over time, the hammam ritual became an integral part of Moroccan culture, with public hammams being established in most neighborhoods. These hammams were not only places to clean the body but were also used for spiritual and physical purification, as well as socializing.
The hammam ritual also plays a significant role in Moroccan weddings. Before the wedding, the bride goes with her girlfriends to the hammam to prepare for her big day. The hammam is also a place where women share their stories and gossip.
Rituals of the Moroccan Hammam
The Moroccan hammam ritual typically involves five stages:
1.Warm-up
The first stage involves sitting in a warm room for a few minutes to allow the body to acclimate to the heat.
2.Exfoliation
The second stage involves applying a special soap, known as beldi soap, all over the body. This soap is made from olives and is highly moisturizing. The soap is left on the skin for a few minutes to soften it before the exfoliation begins.
The exfoliation is done using a special glove called a kessa. The kessa is made of rough material that helps to remove dead skin cells and impurities from the skin. The kessa is used to scrub the body from head to toe, with a particular focus on the areas prone to roughness, such as the feet, elbows, and knees.
3.Mask
The third stage involves the Ghassoul, claymask. Moroccan women customize their masks by purchasing dried herbs and clay from the local market, Souk. Ghassoul is a fine powder that becomes clay when mixed with water. Traditional Ghassoul comes from the Volcanic ash in the Atlas Mountains. It is rich in minerals and draw impurities from your skin. It fills your skin and hair with minerals and nutrients that make it soft and silky. After 15 minutes the mask is rinsed thoroughly off.
4.Steam
The fourth stage involves sitting in a steam room for about 15 to 20 minutes. The steam helps to open the pores and remove any impurities that were not removed during the exfoliation stage.
5.Massage
The fifth and final stage involves a relaxing massage using a body oil that contains a blend of essential oils including argan oil. The massage helps to soothe the muscles, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
The traditions of the Moroccan Hammam
The hammam ritual is not just a way to clean oneself; it is also an important cultural tradition in Morocco. The hammam is a place where women can gather, socialize, and share stories, away from the prying eyes of men. It is also a place where mothers and daughters’ bond, passing down the traditions of the hammam - from generation to generation for centuries.
The hammam is also a place of healing. Many Moroccans believe that the hammam can cure various ailments, such as joint pain, headaches, and respiratory problems. The steam and the essential oils used in the hammam are thought to have therapeutic properties that can help to heal the body and the mind.
The Moroccan Hammam Ritual is an Ancient Tradition remains a keystone for Moroccan Beauty and Social Culture. Till this day, the hammam ritual is an integrated part of the Moroccan women’s weekly beauty routine.
Hammam at your place
The Moroccan Hammam is the place to be, if you want to explore the beauty rituals and secrets of the Moroccan women but you can experience the deep cleansing of body and soul right at home. AURI Copenhagen brings the comfort of the hammam beauty secrets to you. We recommend that you follow the routine once a week to get the best results.
Start by warming your skin with a warm shower, apply any bar soap you have at home evenly on your skin and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Use an exfoliating scrub or glove in circular motions to scrub the dead skin and impurities from your skin. Make sure scrub your entire body and rinse yourself with warm water.
Use AURIs clay mask (Try our organic Atlas mountain ghassoul clay mask) on your face and body and allow the mask to penetrate for 5-10 minutes. It will dry out and draw toxins out. Rinse the clay mask thoroughly and wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner.
Dry your body and hair with a towel. Massage AURIs body oil (Try our organic Body Oil) into your skin, while it soaks in comb your hair and apply a few drops of AURIs hair oil (Try our organic hair oil) into your hair. Make sure to warm it up in your hands for a few seconds before you apply it. The hair follicles are more receptive for nutriments when the hair is still slightly wet.
Lock in the moisture in your face by applying AURIs face oil (Try our organic face oil) on your face, a few drops go a long way. Make sure to warm the oil in your hands before you use it on your face.
Finally spray AURIs face mist (Try our organic facemist) for the ultimate hydration benefit on your face. Finish off with your favorite drink for your inner hydration.
Do it the AURI way <3