Turkish Wedding Traditions form an important part of the culture of Turkey. Earlier a traditional Turkish wedding used to last for 40 days and 40 nights but at present it lasts for only three days in the rural areas. In the urban areas the ceremonies are further shortened. Turkish Wedding Traditions vary from region to region.
According to Turkish Wedding Traditions, before the three-day long wedding feast begins, the groom's family sends a variety of presents to the bride's family. At the bride' place, the bride is hidden by her friends. The groom has to offer cash to the bride's friends to see her. The elders of both the families prepare the list of the goods they are going to buy for the newly wed couple. This list is then given to the village alderman who passes it to the groom's family after authorizing. A small tea party is given by the groom's family in the occasion.
It customary with the Rumelian Turks to spread the news of the marriage in the village with the beating of the drums. The guests preform folk dances and apply henna on hands. The outdoor activities start on the third day when the bridal procession reaches the groom's place. It is the ceremonial beginning of the outdoor festivities.
In Anatolia, boys above the age of 18 and girls above the age of 16 are considered to be eligible for marriage. Before the final settlement of marriage, the girl is seen by the members of the groom's family. According to Turkish Wedding Traditions, the marriage can take place only if the family members of both the bride and the groom give consent to the match.
The preparations wedding start once the two families agree to the marriage. Gifts are exchanged between two families. There are two separate ceremonies of marriage held, one civil and the other religious. The religious ceremony takes place at the bride's home a week before the civil ceremony. The ceremonies are watched by the family members of both the families. Drums are played for two days and two nights. Henna ritual is also apart of this ceremony.
Wedding ceremonies start either on Tuesday and continues till Thursday or start on Friday and goes on till Sunday. The bridegroom’s family bears all the expenses of the wedding ceremony. Some features which are common to all the Turkish wedding customs of all the regions are planting a flag,women’s entertainment of the night next and applying henna on the bride's hand before the wedding day.
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