The Lion and the Monkey

Sitting with my student we take our breaks together and we always seem to discuss something interesting.  It happened to be Valentines Day so we discussed "The Meaning of Valentines Day" in Morocco. He says that he does not consider Valentines Day a real holiday and believes it's just a day to profit-flower businesses, restaurants, and shopping stores making some extra money. He says that his wife and him do not believe in such things. Of course, I mention that this romantic girl believes that everyday should be a bit of Valentines Day.  In the Arab world, they actually need a Valentines day because being romantic is not something very common.  This is demonstrated in my students example of the "lion" and "the monkey."

He says that Moroccan men are like "lions" where they come to protect their women only when they need to or when the woman is in danger. There are men that may be like "monkeys"clinging to their women like monkeys to a tree branch.  They stay by their side and protect them at all times sunrise to sunset and they do not leave the woman unattended.  The Moroccan men like "Lions" show up when they need to show up and wonder around stray until they feel the need to be caring and protective.

I absolutely loved this analogy because I definitely find it to be true with Moroccan men be aloof, stay outdoors, be busy, and just come around when you need to remind the female lion you care and the times you need to protect her-true oh so true.......