TURKISH HENNA NIGHT
Marriage institution is one of the most important constitution regarded necessary by almost all the cultures in the world. But it is specifically significant in Turkey and Turkish Culture. Turkey is a country of contrasts where you can find modern next to tradition in architecture, food and fashion. But weddings are still vital in Turkish society since it is very condemned for a couple just to live together.
Despite the differences from region to region a traditional Turkish wedding consists of several different parts such as going to bride’s house, the engagement, the henna night and the wedding ceremony. The most important and famous part of the Turkish wedding is the Henna Night “ Kina Gecesi “. A henna night can be defined as a bachelorette party for the bride, female relatives and female friends, however in the western part of Turkey, there may not be any gender restrictions and the celebration looks like a wedding party.
This ceremony is named as “Kına Gecesi” – Henna Night – from the fact that the usually the hands of the bride is adorned with Henna. Why Henna is used in Turkish weddings? Assist. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Yardımcı (2009) in his article “GELENEKSEL KÜLTÜRÜMÜZDE VE ÂŞIKLARIN DİLİNDE KINA” explains the application of henna with Islamic roots. He dates back to prophet Abraham, who was given a ram with henna on it in order to sacrifice instead of his son. He claims that the using of henna by the Turks has three main functions. Firstly, henna is applied on the rams to be sacrificed since it is an offering to Allah (God). Secondly, it is applied for the boys who go to the army for their service, and they’re sacrificed for the motherland. And lastly, henna is applied to a bride’s hands, since in a way she is sacrificed for a new family and a husband.
After describing the roots of using henna in Turkish Culture, it will be a good...