Weddings universally celebrate love and the union of two individuals. Each culture celebrates with distinct customs and traditions. Every event is unique and special. In Northern Cyprus, weddings beautifully meld cultural heritage with contemporary elements. Wedding celebrations are rich in tradition and memorable experiences. Let’s delve into some of the intriguing customs that characterise a Turkish Cypriot wedding.
The journey begins with the Engagement Ceremony.
In Northern Cyprus, the path to matrimony will begin with the engagement ceremony, known locally as “Nikah.” This intimate event unites two families. The couple announces their engagement formally. Typically, the family gather at the bride’s parents’ home. The groom presents the bride with a gold ring to symbolise his commitment. Meanwhile, the bride often receives henna and a golden coin, symbolising good fortune and prosperity.
The Henna Night: A celebration of new beginnings and sisterhood
A week before the wedding, some brides have a traditional Turkish girls’ night. This is when the bride’s friends and female relatives gather for Henna Night, or “Kına Gecesi.”
This evening is marked by the application of elegantly intricate henna designs on the bride’s hands and feet. The evening may include singing traditional songs and dancing to folk music. Henna is believed to bring luck and protection from evil spirits. This celebration is a joyous farewell to the bride’s single life and a warm welcome to new beginnings.
The Wedding Ceremony: A fusion of traditions and modern customs
Your wedding will depend on your personal preferences. Traditional Turkish Cypriot weddings often include two main ceremonies. There is a civil ceremony at a municipality, where marriage documents are signed. However, many couples do this in the country where they live, before coming to Northern Cyprus. Some couples have a religious ceremony held in a mosque and officiated by an Imam.
The red carpet ceremony
A unique and striking tradition at some Turkish Cypriot weddings is the “Red Carpet” ceremony. As the couple makes their grand entrance into the venue, they walk on a red carpet sprinkled with rose petals. This symbolises a prosperous and favourable journey into married life. These days, many people choose a white carpet strewn with petals.
The Bride’s wedding ensemble
A traditional bride is a sight to behold. Complementing her dress is the “Yüzüklerin Efendisi,” a decorative accessory embellished with gold coins. This signifies prosperity and wealth for the couple’s life ahead. Gifts of gold are often given to the bride on her wedding day. Traditionally, guests would pin money on the bride and groom or give gold as a wedding gift. Nowadays, with brides choosing less traditional wedding dresses, it is more common for guests to place money inside an envelope, which is deposited into a decorative box.
A culinary delight of feasting and celebration
Turkish Cypriot weddings are celebrated for their exquisite culinary offerings. Guests can indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering dishes. From appetisers like stuffed vine leaves and meatballs to succulent main courses like kebabs and lamb stew. There will be an abundance of traditional desserts, like Baklava and Turkish delight.
One notable aspect of these celebrations is the “dağıtma,” or the distribution of sweets and small gifts by the bride and groom. This symbolises their gratitude and bestows blessings and sweetness on their guests.
Music and Dancing – A very lively fusion
The wedding reception will be filled with vibrant sounds of traditional Turkish music. Typically performed by a live band or a DJ, and invites guests to take to the dance floor. Traditional folk dances, “halay” and “zeybek”, infuse the celebration with an exuberant energy. This unites everyone in joy and camaraderie, with the festivities frequently continuing until the early morning.
Tokens of Gratitude: Wedding Favours
Wedding favours, known as “Keseler,” are given as gifts to guests. These gifts vary from personalised keychains to small trinkets, often carrying symbols of good luck and protection. Folding hand fans are very popular favours and extremely useful in the heat.
Conclusion
Turkish Cypriot weddings beautifully blend ancient traditions with modern elegance, capturing the true essence of love and union. Turkish Cypriot weddings emphasise the importance of tradition and symbolise the joyous union of families and communities. In Northern Cyprus, weddings celebrate the love between two individuals and pay homage to the vibrant culture of the Turkish Cypriots.
English wedding officiant
Many couples living abroad choose to return to Northern Cyprus for a traditional wedding ceremony. The weather is hot in summer, and the ceremonies will be outside in the evening. The bride and groom often have guests of many nationalities and request an English-speaking officiant. It is an honour for me to officiate at a Turkish Cypriot wedding. I deeply respect everyone’s traditions. I love participating in wedding ceremonies that unite families, friends, and loved ones in celebrating joy and love.
Start planning your perfect wedding ceremony with a Free, no-obligation consultation.
Contact Rosie Anstey, an award-winning wedding celebrant, to discuss your wedding day. In your conversation, you will first explore your vision for the wedding and get to know each other. Rosie will collaborate with you to create the day of your dreams, whatever your beliefs. Rosie provides ideas that honour your cultural background and personal preferences. Once you engage her services as your wedding celebrant, you will enjoy the exciting process of planning your wedding ceremony together. She collaborates with wedding planners, photographers, and suppliers to ensure your day proceeds flawlessly.
Contact Rosie Anstey
Website: http://www.cypruscelebrant.com. http://www.celebrantrosieanstey.com
