As the old Cyprus weddings are now a thing of the past as they are being replaced by modernity, traditions are kept alive with henna nights. Henna nights, which have a significant place in the recent past of Cyprus, have recently been enlivened by the organisations led by folk dance groups. Cultural Association of Akçay (AKDER) is the leading one among these associations. This group lead by a Cyprus culture lover, Nisbet Kızılyürek, is creating wonders at henna nights organised a couple of days before weddings.
In accordance with old traditions, shawn-and-drum are played in front of the bride’s house, the bride leaves her mother’s house with a ceremony, a henna tray is prepared, the groom is shaved, embroidery work is done on duvets, the bride is “silvered”, a special hot dish made with wheat is distributed and folk dance shows are made.
Fazilet Çakır and Emrah Öztunalı, who got married last month in Zümrütköy organised a henna night in accordance with old traditions with the contribution of AKDER. As North Cyprus UK, as we wish the new couple infinite happiness and congratulate AKDER managers for their efforts in conserving the old culture.
Kıbrıs Gelini // Cyprus Bride
Davul çalar, güm güm güm güm
Her yanlar çınlar
Aslan gardaşlar ne güzel oynar
Drums are played, boom boom boom
Everywhere is tinkling
How well my brave friends are dancing
Şişeler, tın tın tın tın
Herseler gaynar
Gızlar dizilmiş gelini tavlar
Bottles, shin shin shin
Everybody is boiling
To chat up the bride girls are alining
Al olur bal olur Kıbrıs gelini
Geline söyleyin benim halimi
Cyprus bride is red and sweet
Tell the bride about my state
Çifte patlar, bum bum bum bum
Alay yolunda
Güveyi şen gider gelin golunda
The shotgun is fired, boom boom boom
During the parade
The groom is happy walking in the arms of the bride
Naralar, hey hey hey hey
Sağdıç oyunda
Kim gülmez oynamaz böyle düğünde
Loud cries, hey hey hey hey
Groomsman is dancing
Who doesn’t laugh or dance at such a wedding
Kebapçıların şişi // Skewer of the Kebab-sellers
Kebapçıların şişi
Gelininin gidişi
Kınanız mübareki da
Hazırlayın bahşişi
Skewer of the kebab-sellers
Parting of the bride
Your henna is blessed
Yet prepare the gratuity
Aman aman a gollar
Adamı derde gollar
Senin için a canım da
Beni zındana gollar
Aman aman oh they put
They put the man in trouble
For you oh my dear
They put me in prison
Garşımızda durup ta
Öyle yan yan bakmayın
Bu gına bahşişidir
Güçcük para atmayın
Don’t stand in front of us
And give us sideway looks
This is henna gratuity
Don’t throw small coins
Aman aman a gollar
Adamı derde gollar
Senin için a canım da
Beni zındana gollar
Aman aman oh they put
They put the man in trouble
For you oh my dear
They put me in prison
Açılan güller solmaz
Üstüne bülbül konmaz
Kınanız mübareki da
Bu iş bahşişsiz olmaz
Blooming roses do not wither
On them songbirds do not sit
Your henna is blessed
Yet this cannot be done without gratuity
Aman aman a gollar
Adamı derde gollar
Senin için a canım da
Beni zındana gollar
Aman aman oh they put
They put the man in trouble
For you oh my dear
They put me in prison
