and women are free to marry whomever they wish as long as
the prospective marriage partner is approved by the family.
P reparation of the bride
Hammam Ritual
The Hammam, called also Turkish bath or a steam bath,
is a ritual bath that is regarded as an act of purification
before the wedding ceremony. In Tunisia, East Algeria, and
Libya, female family members and friends wear their haik or
safsari/ veil to accompany a bride to the Hammam. A visit to
the Hammam is still in the tradition for the bride-to-be. She
will be treated by a Keyyassa, a professional masseuse who
will clean her using a Kessa (traditional rough glove) with
black soap to give her a full-scrubbing, then the ghassoul (a
clay paste), for a full body mask and, finally, a massage with
Argan oil. The Hammam enables the bride-to-be to relax, as
well as soften her skin and hair. The benefits of steam are for
many girls who are about to marry. In the Kabyle region of
the Djurdura mountains (North East Algeria), prior to the
wedding, the bride washes herself in a big pottery plate. Eggs
representing fertility and stinging nettles, (symbolizing the
awakening of a new life), are added to the water in which
the woman bathes.
Henna Ritual
The following day, or sometimes on the same day in the
evening, the Henna ceremony will take place, generally
attended only by female bridesmaids and family members.
Sometimes a family member will apply the henna but if she
is not skilled, the Hennaya, a professional lady, will paint the
bride’s hands and feet that will be decorated with Henna
designs for blessing, good fortune, and protection. Henna
has great significance, as it brings blessing and good life.
A tray, with the ritual henna and associated implements, is
placed in front of the bride. In Libya, the parts of the body
Djerba Henné et Harkous - Photo by Rais67 [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]