Tag: copenhague

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Henna, a way of expression and connection with the roots.

Post author By Jamila Jamila
Post date July 4, 2023
5 Comments on Henna, a way of expression and connection with the roots.

In the vibrant tapestry of Moroccan culture, few artistic traditions are as cherished and deeply rooted as the practice of adorning the body with henna. This ancient form of body art holds profound meaning for Moroccans, representing a fusion of history, symbolism, and celebration. From its enigmatic origins to its diverse applications in various events and ceremonies, henna plays a pivotal role in shaping the cultural fabric of Moroccan society.

The origins of henna, or “al-hinna” as it is known in Arabic, can be traced back thousands of years. While the exact origin is uncertain, henna is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt and spread across North Africa and the Middle East, eventually finding a deep-rooted place in Moroccan culture. With its natural dye properties and cooling effect on the skin, henna has been treasured for its medicinal, decorative, and spiritual qualities throughout history.

In Moroccan society, henna carries profound symbolism and is often associated with blessings, protection, and good fortune. The intricate patterns, often featuring geometric motifs and floral designs, are carefully crafted by skilled henna artists. The artistry and symbolism behind each design reflect a myriad of values, including beauty, fertility, joy, and the warding off of evil spirits. For many Moroccans, adorning their hands and feet with henna is not only a form of self-expression but also a way to connect with their heritage and affirm their cultural identity.

The use of henna is deeply ingrained in various events and celebrations across Moroccan society. One of the most notable occasions where henna takes center stage is during weddings. Prior to the wedding ceremony, the bride, her family, and close friends gather for a special henna night, known as “Night of the Henna” or “Laylat Al Henna.” During this joyous celebration, intricate henna designs are applied to the bride’s hands and feet, symbolizing beauty, love, and prosperity for her married life.

Beyond weddings, henna is also an integral part of Moroccan festivals and religious observances. During Eid celebrations, both men and women adorn their bodies with henna, expressing joy and gratitude. Additionally, henna plays a role in traditional Moroccan festivals, such as the Festival of Roses and the Festival of Fantasia, where locals and visitors alike embrace henna as a form of cultural expression and celebration.

Henna is a beloved art form that weaves itself into the fabric of Moroccan society, representing a rich tapestry of heritage, symbolism, and celebration. From its ancient origins to its presence in weddings, festivals, and religious events, henna holds a special place in the hearts of Moroccans. Its intricate patterns and deep-rooted cultural significance serve as a bridge between the past and the present, reminding us of the enduring beauty and traditions that shape Moroccan culture.

Tags art, blog, celebrations, coffe, copenhague, culture, denmark, events, fantasia, food, handmadefood, henna, hennaartist, history, morethancoffe, motherfood, roots, thisisus, tradition

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HARIRA: SOUP AND TRADITION

Post author By Jamila Jamila
Post date March 24, 2023
3 Comments on HARIRA: SOUP AND TRADITION

When we talk about Moroccan gastronomy we are not only referring to pastilla, cous cous or tajine. It is a gastronomy full of recipes that have been passed down through generations and from region to region.

Today, we want to talk about the Harira. Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup that is consumed mainly during the month of Ramadan, although it is also very common to find it in Moroccan restaurants during the winter months, accompanied by mint tea.

This dish is characterized, in addition to its flavor, by its texture. It is a soup made with tomato, spices, chickpeas, lentils, Vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs. In addition, it can be accompanied by a wide variety of combinations, among which dates, Chebakya which is a sweet soaked in honey, and bread.

This soup in addition to being the national soup of Morocco, its roots extend throughout the North African region known as the Maghreb, of which Morocco is, of course, a part. This means that both the base recipe and the accompaniments or spices used can vary greatly from one place to another.

As we told you at the beginning, this soup is very characteristic due to its texture, since far from being totally liquid, it has a fairly dense consistency, but above all it must be very soft on the palate.

But don’t worry because you will be able to try it first hand starting next week in our Café, since we are at the gates of Ramadan that will begin on March 23. We hope to see you there and that you tell us what you thought of this recipe so full of tradition and flavor!

Tags blog, coffe, copenhague, denmark, food, handmadefood, harira, harirasoup, history, morethancoffe, motherfood, ramadan, thisisus, tradition

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Our history in Sydhavn

Today we want to use our blog to tell you our story in this neighborhood of Copenhagen.

We were born and raised here, in my family it has always been a fundamental value to help our neighbors and friends. That is why we decided to stay here and open our business in this place. Leaving sydhavn was never an option as we believe it is part of our responsibility to help it prosper.

Over the years we have been participating both professionally and voluntarily in different projects (Pallieten, Bydelsmødrene) dedicated to helping people adjust to life in Copenhagen, teaching them the language, translating necessary documents for the different bureaucracies, accompanying people to the doctor to translate what they needed, teaching women and children to ride a bicycle or even helping their children to do their school homework.

Our greatest inspiration for all this has always been our mother, she taught us to take care of others, to share and to love cooking, because as she said, food unites people, regardless of origin, religion or thought.

She taught us to empower ourselves and to see ourselves capable of doing anything, always with effort and perseverance.

For this reason, now, we want to share with our environment everything we have learned trying to empower the women of our community and serving as support so that in this way they can overcome any difficulty.

Tags blog, coffe, copenhague, denmark, discoverus, enpowerwoman, food, hadmake, handmadefood, help, helpeachother, history, kafe, lifestyle, morethancoffe, moroccan, moroccancusine, motherfood, social, southharbourcafe, sydhavn, thisisus, tradition, volunteer, welcome, woman, women

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WELCOME TO OUR BLOG

A few years ago my sister and I decided to undertake this project, a project in which we intended to bring to Denmark, a piece of our Moroccan culture through flavors, smells and music.

Little by little this idea took shape and became South Harbor Café, a little piece of Morocco in Copenhagen.

Over the years we have created a family that has made us grow as a business and above all as people. In recent months, recognition has materialized in awards and reviews that have made it possible for our typical dishes to be marketed in supermarkets, thus making it possible for our project to reach more people, projecting our dream where we would never think it would reach.

Thanks to you, who have always supported us and accompanied us on our way, we have achieved all this, and that is why we would like to start a new stage, creating this blog where we can share a little bit of our culture, our progress, promotions, recipes, music, fun facts and everything else to come.

I hope that in this way we can continue to connect and get to know each other a little better, supporting multiculturalism and exchanging flavors and smiles.