~ Kina Gece ~ Henna ~ 

 

The night before a traditional Turkish Wedding is called the Henna Night and on this night the women friends of the bride hold a party in the brides honor.  When the party is well under way, someone goes to the Groom’s house to invite the groom and his friends for a short visit.  The men each bring a present for the bride, which the bride’s mother collects in a cooking pot.  The bride’s face is covered because the groom is forbidden to see her on this night.  The bride and groom are permitted to have one short dance together.

 

The men are sent back home and the time has come for the Henna ceremony.  The bride’s face is covered and she is encouragred to cry bitter tears to express her sadness as she will be leaving her family.

The henna is places on the palms of the bride’s hands and covered with a cloth.  The henna stains her hands, it is a sign of joy for everyone to see.  The grooms mother presents the bride to be with gold for prosperity and wealth.

 

 

Bride’s mother placing the henna in her palms