Henna Nights (Kina Gecesi)
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In the olden days this celebration would normally last for a period of
1 week and it began with sending the brides' trousseau to the grooms'
home. The trousseau would be packed onto a horse driven cart,
accompanied by a clarinet and drums, and paraded through the streets
for all to enjoy. Close relatives of the bride to be would arrange
everything in the new home and display all items with pride to the many
guests.
On Tuesday relatives of both the bride and the groom, together with friends of the bride would all go for a Turkish Bath. This was known as the "Brides bath". After the games and enjoyment in the bath house the bride would enter the bath house accompanied by folk songs and candles which were given to the guests. The bride would wear a silk belt and clogs ornamented with mother of pearl.
On Wednesday evening the Henna Night would take place at the girls home. During the day, relatives of both the bride and groom would spread the Henna on a silver tray with two candles and take it to the girls home. On the henna night the bride and all the female relatives would wear dresses called "Bindallı" which were of heavily embroidered velvet or satin. After a meal was provided to the guests, the brides whose face was covered by a red veil would be brought into the room accompanied by her maid of honor and close friends holding lit candles, singing folk songs and she would kiss the elders hands before taking her place on a high seat reserved for her.
Following the entertainment participated in by everyone, the bride would come to the centre of the room, and to a recitation of songs the henna ceremony would begin. Several women would force the brides' right-hand open and a happily married woman would place a ball of henna in her palm. At this time the guests who have brought gold, as gifts would press this into the henna. This was called "Kina Basmasi". Then the brides' fıngertips and toes would be painted with the henna. As a tradition any remaining henna would be painted on the other girls hands to bring good luck and happy marriage, and then the bride would be made to dance.
At the end of the night the bride and mother who were soon to be parted by the girls marriage would cry while listening to the other female relatives singing sentimental songs.
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