Lucky us! Ferial's (our fairy godmother from Pastoral Vadi) sister got married in Istanbul this weekend. The henna night - named for the last event of the evening when the bride, and then the female guests, smear henna paste into the palms of their hands, creating a circular orange stain lasting a few days (representing one's good wishes towards the newly weds) - was Thursday night. I got henna-ed too! A crowd of older women gathered round, very excited that their American guest was joining in.
Henna night was the beginning of the celebration. Family and friends gathered to dance to traditional music, tried to swap a few sentences over the extremely enthusiastic oboe player (earning tips for particularly triumphant blasts), and danced some more.
Today was the ceremony and party. We took the rapid MetroBus to the outskirts of Istanbul, desperately searched for an ATM and Nescafe to go, power-walked through parking lots parallel a highway, and arrived to a warm welcome. There was dancing, eating, smiling, gold coins and cash pinned onto the bride's veil and the groom's sash, and pinches from a Bulgarian grandmother. What a day. And what a great way to wrap up our stay in Istanbul.
I love how you two get right in the thick of things. It all looks like such fun - pinching grandma and all!
ReplyDeleteI agree, a beautiful way to end your stay ...a cherished time with good people.
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