The Decorated Bride

Crikey, in a tiny Lubinje village, not far from the capital of Kosovo, members of the Trebesh community believe in "beautifying brides on their wedding day"

Their tradition says that every bride must have their faces decorated meticulously and exquisitely, while their bodies are covered with five layers of traditional handmade clothing and accessories. The process is important for their cultural believes as well as incredibly spiritual. They believe that the whole rite is vital in protecting the new bride from the "evil eye, and discourages gossip and speculation." So interesting, isn't it?

There is also a whole ritual of how the bride is presented to the future family and her new home. Upon arrival in the future husband's home "the bride has to stand inside a room flanked by her husband's mother and sister, who attends to the new bride's every need. Meanwhile, the entire village visits in order to see and welcome the bride into the community."

I find this incredibly moving and beautiful. I love to see people being dedicated to their tradition. Darlings, what are your thoughts on it? She almost looks like a life-size porcelain doll, don't you think? xo

P.S: If you have a few minutes to spare, check out the video below. It will blow your mind! Amazing.

(via my love for you via Imprint via Kosovo 2.0)