Beautifying the Bride

The Mehndi is traditionally a women's event, where the women attending the wedding would go and have henna put onto their hands. 

Different regions of India celebrate the Mehndi in different ways, but at Bethany's Mehndi, both men and women attended. It was held at a family member's house, and the day was all about beautifying the bride and making her feel special. 

 I especially loved watching the little girls get their henna. They loved it, and were the first ones to sit down in a chair to have it done. 

Bethany was adorned with beautiful jewelry and flowers to wear throughout the Mehndi.

 The boys were just taking it all in :)

The women were told to wear pink or yellow to the celebration. 

Bethany sat for hours as henna was applied to her hands and feet. The pattern was so intricate and just beautiful. 

 We did partake in some of the henna too :)

Excuse the hot, sweaty mess of a person I am here. No AC in these Indian houses, and it was quite sticky. 

Sage's family gathered around the bride and sung traditional Indian songs. All the songs were about making her beautiful in preparation for the wedding. It was such a fun tradition to watch!

 The women would dance, sing, get-up, shimmy, shake, groove....

We just watched and admired the tradition happening before us. 

About 1/2 way through the Mehndi, the groom comes. He isn't allowed to "enter" until he pays money for his bride. I'm not kidding! 

 The women form a barrier as to not allow him in, and negotiations occur. Sage's cousin's said he was a rich man, so they were going to make him pay up! After he pays, the cousins divided the money among themselves, and he was allowed to enter the party. 

Lots of negotiating!

I think Sage ended up paying in Hong Kong dollars, Rupees, Singapore dollars, and maybe an American dollar or two thrown in....Ha! Our wallets sometimes look like this :)

Such a cultural afternoon we had!

xx,

Lauren