Painting the hands with henna. Photograph courtesy Shutterstock.On Sunday afternoon, January 28, the Güney Foundation and the Textile Research Centre will organize an introduction to the Turkish Henna Festival (Kina Gecesi).
In Turkey, the henna evening is a symbolic ritual in which the henna has a deep meaning. Henna represents joy, beauty and protection against evil spirits and negative energy. The deeper the colour of the henna, the stronger the bond between the couple is considered to be, because the red colour of the henna represents love. It also symbolizes fertility and a prosperous future.
Henna party in Turkey. Photograph courtesy Shutterstock.At the meeting on Sunday afternoon it will be explained and demonstrated how the Henna is applied. This is done by a professional artist. The traditional Henna festive wear and other textile pieces will also be on display.
Traditional Turkish music fills the air as women sing folk songs and perform lively dances such as the "oyun havası" or "halay." Guests join in the dancing, creating an energetic and festive atmosphere.
The event is of course accompanied by a variety of traditional Turkish delicacies. These symbolize abundance and generosity and are shared among guests as they celebrate together.
This introduction is made possible by the Fund for Cultural Participation for the Engaging Textile Heritage Communities through Citizen Culture project. Come along for a pleasant and informative Sunday afternoon at the Textile Research Center in Leiden.
Date: Sunday, 28 January. Time: 13.00 - 16.00. Location: TRC Leiden, Hogewoerd 164, 2311 HW Leiden, the Netherlands. Entrance: free. Please register in advance if you want to come: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
