Moroccan Tea Glasses

Moroccan Tea Glasses

Moroccan Tea Glasses are known for their sparkling accents, vivid colors, and intricate details. Beautiful on their own, they look gorgeous on display and are certain to brighten up any gathering.

The story behind these iconic glasses is equally as colorful. History helped to merge Morocco’s avid tea-drinking culture with its iconic tapestry designs; producing a truly unique and eclectic product.

colorful moroccan tea glasses

Known as Morocco’s most beloved beverage, “Tea is drunk at the slightest pretext every hour of the day,” wrote Madame Guinaudeau in her classic 1950s work on Moroccan cuisine. Tea starts a day and ends it, precedes a meal and finishes it.

There are several differing origin stories for Morocco’s beloved tea culture, and historians aren’t sure which has the most credence. One story suggests that tea was gifted to the country’s leader in the 17th century by Queen Anne of England after the release of English prisoners, while another popular story has suggested that tea was brought into the country by Arab traders in the 13th century.

Whatever the origin, avid Moroccan tea drinkers traditionally serve 3 glasses at every seating. Passed on for generations, the saying goes:

The first glass is as bitter as life,

The second is as strong as love,

The third is as soothing as death.

moroccan tiles cathedral

 

Morocco is also known for its exquisite textile designs. From rugs, to pillows, to floor tiles, these easily recognized patterns are admired worldwide.

Morocco has been called a tapestry of cultures. Due to its location in Northwestern Africa, this region has been influenced by native cultures, an expanding Middle East, and missionary Europeans. The colors, sounds, and tastes of Morocco are composites of this diverse influence, and nowhere is this more visible than in their arts. One of the most respected Moroccan art forms is textiles.

colorful moroccan tea glasses frosted

Blending lifestyle with commerce, and leisure with the arts; a beautiful commodity was made. The introduction of tea merged with Morocco’s long-standing tradition of decorated textiles. Together, this integration helped to create the modern day Moroccan Tea Glass.

 

Sources:
Moroccan Textiles History - Study
Tea in Morocco - Washington Post
Tea Culture of Morocco - Teforia

Save

Back to blog