Wedding Traditions: A Detailed Exploration

Often preceding the final grand reception is the Shab-e Henna (Henna Night), a tradition borrowed from neighboring cultures but observed in various forms across Iran, particularly for the women. This gathering is the equivalent of a modern bridal shower, where the bride spends time with her closest female friends and family members, and the ritual application of Henna paste to the hands and feet takes place. The henna, symbolizing joy, beauty, and good fortune, is applied in intricate patterns and serves as the bride’s final night of celebration as a single woman, offering a moment of feminine bonding before the serious responsibilities of marriage commence.