Khamsah for the New Year
Karawan Riad :: Fez, Morocco
January 1st, 2021
Happy New Year!
Today we’re getting back on our virtual path through northern Morocco. So far we’ve visited Tangier and Asilah, and learned a bit about Islamic Geometric Design which is found throughout the country.
I chose this photo for the first day of 2021 because we’re opening a new door to a new year, and this particular door includes the khamsah, or hand. Khamsah means five in Arabic and also refers to the hand symbol with its five fingers. In various cultures around the world, the khamsah offers protection from bad luck and the evil eye, is known as a symbol of good luck, or is seen as a helping hand. These days we all need some protection, good luck and a helping hand now and then so consider the khamsah a symbol for the new year.
The door we’re about to open is in Karawan Riad, in the city of Fez. We’ve arrived! Tomorrow, we’ll climb high to the rooftop and venture deep into the medina.
Until then,
Kelly
Post of the Day: Adding a bit of light to the darkness as we get through the pandemic together. This series features travel photos from my archives, shared with you while staying close to home.
compassandcamera.wordpress.com 
What a wonderful symbol to enter the New Year with Kelly. Can’t wait to go through the door with you to the wonders that await us on the other side. 💕
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Thank you! Hoping for many more new doors in 2021! 🙂
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The medina of Fez will surely bring us beautiful examples of Islamic geometry to exercise our fresh knowledge.
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Yes, but what little I’ve offered is only a tease. We focused on the experience of the medina but I would love to return and visit the madrasas and/or focus more on exploring the ornate interiors hidden behind doorways. So much good design is hidden in Fez and Morocco, generally. Tantalizing and frustrating at the same time.
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Morocco seems to be an intricate artwork on patterns and colors. The study of iconology on the doors and knockers is very interesting, had seen the lion of Judah on many doors, now khamsah. Waiting for that door to open tomorrow 🙂
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The lion of Judah… I need to learn more about that! Thanks for your thought! 🙂
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Yeah, that protection from the evil eye seems really important, Kelly! 🙂 –Curt
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Agreed!! Happy New Year and stay safe! 🙂
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Wishing you a sterling new year — and thanks for all you contribute to the blogging community.
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What a perfect way to welcome the new year, Kelly! Khamsah has always been such a welcoming sight – often adorning the doors in Khartoum, Sudan, too. James and I wish you a 2021 filled with joy, peace, good health … and hopefully a bit more travel. 🙂 ~Terri
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