MovieChat Forums > Mutluluk (2007) Discussion > what is on her hands?

what is on her hands?

posted 14 years ago by tcgatl
5 replies | jump to latest

She had henna or some other ink on her fingertips and palms. Is that a common practice or is it supposed to indicate something in particular?

[–] charonelson 14 years ago

Sorry, this isn't reply. I'm just seconding the question. Would really like to know.

[–] Danusha_Goska 14 years ago

Henna? Or because she eats with her hands they get stained? Or something symbolic?

[–] eminegonen 13 years ago

It's common for women to have henna on their hands in the rural parts of Turkey. But in the movie it could also be symbolic, cause henna is put on the hands to celebrate special occasions like weddings. Maybe as a symbol for celebrating life?

[–] fam600 13 years ago

It doesn't mean anything, i know because i'm afghan and girls from these cultures put henna on their hands just for the heck of it. Simple as that.

[–] ledlebi 11 years ago

You may be right, but in Turkey girls put henna on their hands before wedding ceremony. There is also a special ceremony called 'Henna Night' where only women attend and they cry. This is supposed be a sad ceremony because the bride is going to leave the house she grow up and her parents as well.

Men who go to battle or attend the army also put henna on their fingers. One can also use henna on their animals when making an offering to God. (that's the tradition, but women also use it just for looks.)

So it is a 'farewell symbol'. It can also mean purity and youth.