The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

HENNA PARTY

THE ARMENIAN PEOPLE HAVE A NICE CUSTOM CONCERNED WITH
MARRIAGE. THE WEEK BEFORE A GIRL GETS MARRIED, HER
FRIENDS AND RELATIVES (GIRLS) GIVE HER A PARTY. AT
THE PARTY ALL OF THE SINGLE GIRLS DIP THEIR LITTLE
FINGER AS FAR DOWN AS THE NAIL INTO HENNA (RED DIE).
THEY PUT A GRAPE LEAF AROUND IT TO DRY THE FINGER.
THE GIRLS HAVE THIS STAIN ON THEIR FINGER FOR SOME
TIME TO BRING THE ENGAGED GIRL GOOD LUCK. BY THE
TIME THE HENNA WEARS OFF, THE SINGLE GIRL SHOULD
HAVE FOUND A ROMANCE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 07-20-1964