User:Leili foroutan/sandbox

--Leili foroutan (talk) 00:59, 5 February 2014 (UTC)

A Persian Tradition: Henna Bandoon

Ceremony
“Henna Bandoon” ceremony belongs to the traditional Persian marriage process, according to Mahmud Katiraie, in his book Khesht-ta-Khesht. Just like many other rituals in the country, this ritual originated from the ancient Zoroastrian tradition. The bride’s family usually hosts the “Henna Bandoon” ceremony. It usually occurs a day before the wedding, Henna paste is applied on the bride's hands and also the groom's hands and feet as the family gets ready to send their daughter off to start a new chapter in her life. Persians believed that applying henna it would bring good luck and happiness to the couple. This tradition and belief is written in the holy book of Islam.

Henna Bandoon Process
The bride would be thoroughly cleaned and massaged and all dead skin on her body is removed by scrubbing with a rough mitten kisseh keshi, which is also known as a hard loffa. The hair is washed and her entire body would be rubbed with organic oils and perfumes in a famous bath known as the bridal bath. All these stuff happen because of the Henna. The Persian book from Katiraie's book, "Khest ta Khesht," which is written in Farsi, is about the Iranian culture, traditions and legends, the day before the wedding, the groom's family sends over the khoncheh, which looks like a hard wooden tray filled with Henna, to the bride's home. “Khoncheh” would carry the seven brasses or silver bowls of freshly prepared Henna adorned with silver and gold coins bordered by different colored lit candles.

Henna Designs
Henna designs would include small images of nature, flowers or trees. Iranian Henna designs are simple, drawing unique design and also included historical elements that are believed to have a deep connection with nature of craft.

History
The history of the “Henna Bandoon” extends far into the past, into the ancient villages of Iran and many Middle Eastern nations, and while it seems to have lost its admiration somewhat over time, it still bears deep meaning in practice and preservation of a fun cultural tradition. It may take place a few days before the wedding or more modernly as a small part of the wedding “morning-of” festivities.

Village Rituals
The application of Henna is an old one that is no longer practiced in the cities of Iran but may be still celebrated in some villages.

Features

 * Mahmud Katiraie -
 * khesht ta Khesht - A book written in Farsi, by Mahmud Katiraie
 * kisseh keshi - A special hard loofa which is used to scrub away dead skin
 * Koncheh - A wooden tray used in the henna bandoon ceremony
 * Henna paste - substance used on the hand in feet