Moroccan Silk bathclothes or Hajnal are traditional home-made or home-dyed Morrocan clothing. The colour of the clothing is usually in a vivid and rich red, a strong contrast to the typical white of most other countries in the region.
The origins of this type of clothing are unclear. The earliest known documentation of it is from the 15th century.
It was particularly popular in the 19th century and still continues as a popular product in the region. It is widely used today for celebrations, holidays and special occasions.
Origin
The origins of this type of clothing are uncertain. It may have come from India, China, or other parts of the Middle East or Central Asia.
The earliest known documentation of it is from the 15th century, in which it is called Hajnal. This name comes mens short silk robes from the Arabic word for silk or “Hajn al-Jūm”, a silk manufacture from Damascus. The type of clothing and its use became popular in Europe in the late 19th century.
In the early 20th century, it was particularly popular in the Middle East and North Africa, especially during Ramadan, when Muslims fast during the day and eat at night.
Manufacture
For the production of traditional Morrocan Silk bathclothes, two different methods are used. The first method is the production of the top, made of “Kir” or “Jilbe”, a material that has been woven with single or doubled threads, and is made of cotton. The second method is the production of the bottom of the garment, made of the “Kilab” material. This material is woven with three or more threads, and is made of cotton.
The tops are woven and often embellished by hand. The bottom is sewn by machine, using the bobbin and needle loom, also known as a Tawashi loom. There are specific types of patterns used for the designs of the “Kir” and “Kilab” materials, and they are usually used in the construction of bathclothes in the south of Morocco and the Maghreb, where the “Kilab” material is produced, and the “Kir” material is produced in the northern part of the country and in Algiers.
The traditional garment was worn by both sexes, but it was most popular among women. In more modern times, a mens short silk robes similar garment is still worn as a costume.
Today, traditional Morrocan bathclothes are popular for special occasions such as weddings and birthdays, and also during Ramadan, as part of the traditional clothing of the region.