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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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