MINE (EDITED)

chapter 24

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Kına

The traditional Turkish Kına (henna) ceremony is a beautiful and symbolic event, typically held the night before a wedding. It marks the bride's transition from her single life to married life. The ceremony is full of rituals, music, and dance, and it involves the application of henna to the bride's hands and feet, symbolizing beauty, fertility, and good luck.

The Kına Gecesi (Henna Night) is a traditional and emotional celebration, often considered the Turkish version of a bachelorette party. It's a deeply cultural and symbolic event that marks the bride's transition from her single life to married life, filled with rituals, music, and family bonding.

The most prominent part of Kına Gecesi is the application of henna. Traditionally, the henna is applied to the bride's palms and sometimes to the groom's pinky finger as well. It's a symbolic gesture believed to bring good fortune, happiness, and protection from evil spirits. One of the significant traditions is placing a gold coin into the bride's hand, usually by an elder member of the family. This gesture symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and protection from misfortune in her new life. It's also meant to ensure that the bride is surrounded by blessings in her marriage.

A unique and emotional part of the evening is when the bride is seated in a chair, often surrounded by her loved ones. In some families, there is a custom of trying to make the bride cry by singing melancholic ballads. These songs reflect the sadness and bittersweet emotions of leaving her childhood home and family. The act of crying is believed to symbolize the bride's emotional release and her final moments of her old life.

Once the emotional ballads are sung and the bride sheds a few tears, the atmosphere shifts to one of celebration. The focus turns to joy, and the guests—often family and friends—begin to dance to lively folk music, clapping, and celebrating the bride's new journey.

The night is filled with traditional Turkish folk music and dance. Guests, particularly women, gather in a circle around the bride, dancing and clapping rhythmically. It's a time for celebration, and the bride often joins in, albeit shyly at first, until Layla feels comfortable with the cheerful atmosphere.

During the night, the bride is seated in the center of the room in a decorated chair, symbolizing her central role in the ceremony and in the life that is about to begin. A red veil is sometimes placed over her head, symbolizing her modesty and the significance of the night.

The night of the Kına Gecesi was filled with laughter, music, and joy. Both the younger and older generations danced to the lively traditional Turkish songs, creating a festive atmosphere that filled the air. The energy was contagious, with everyone enjoying themselves, whether they were dancing, singing, or simply watching. The night was a celebration of the bride's transition, but also a celebration of family and cultural traditions.

However, amidst the excitement, Layla couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness. She wished her grandmother, Nene, could have been there to share in the joy. Nene had always been a central figure in her life, offering wisdom and love. Sadly, due to her illness, she was unable to make the long journey to Nigeria.

Layla missed her deeply, feeling her absence more keenly as the night wore on. She thought about the warmth of Nene's embrace, the stories she used to tell, and the way she had always been there to guide and comfort her. Even though the celebration was in full swing, Layla felt a quiet ache in her heart, wishing she could have had her beloved Nene by her side to witness this important moment in her life. But she knew that Nene was with her in spirit, and that love and blessings from afar could still make a difference.