The Beauty of Mauritania: Unconventional Standards and Ancient Traditions

TLDRExplore the unique beauty standards of Mauritania, where being overweight is considered attractive. Learn about the ancient tradition of force-feeding women to enhance their beauty and the cultural significance of body size. Discover the meaning of beauty beyond appearance and the importance of kindness and individuality.

Key insights

🌟In Mauritania, being overweight is considered more attractive, and thin women are not valued the same way as fat women.

💪Force-feeding women to become fat is an ancient tradition called 'Leblouh' rooted in Mauritanian culture and beauty standards.

👩‍💼Mothers often convince their daughters that becoming fat is the only way to secure a good future and find a husband.

❤️Beauty is not solely determined by appearance but also by kindness, congeniality, and the observer's perspective.

🌴Oases in Mauritania represent a rare beauty, reminding us that our concept of beauty is influenced by our context and environment.

Q&A

Why are fat women considered more attractive in Mauritania?

In Mauritanian culture, touching a fat woman is seen as satisfying, while a thin woman can give the impression of touching another man's bones.

What is 'Leblouh'?

'Leblouh' is the practice of force-feeding women in Mauritania to make them fat, which is believed to enhance their beauty.

Why do mothers force their daughters to become fat?

Mothers often believe that a fat daughter will have a better future and find a husband more easily, according to Mauritanian cultural norms.

How does beauty go beyond appearance in Mauritania?

In Mauritania, beauty is also determined by qualities like kindness, congeniality, and the perspective of the observer, rather than just physical appearance.

What do oases symbolize in Mauritania?

Oases represent a rare and beautiful refuge in the desert, reminding us that our concept of beauty is influenced by our environment and cultural context.

Timestamped Summary

00:12In Mauritania, being overweight is considered more attractive than being thin.

01:22'Leblouh' is the ancient tradition of force-feeding women to make them fat.

04:14Mothers force their daughters to become fat to secure a good future and find a husband.

08:19Beauty in Mauritania is not solely based on appearance but also on kindness and the observer's perspective.

11:52Oases in Mauritania symbolize a rare form of beauty, reminding us of the influence of environment on our concept of beauty.