In Baalbek, Lebanon’s heart of heritage and hospitality, the Henna Night (Laylat al-Henna) remains one of the most symbolic and emotional pre-wedding traditions. This ritual, celebrated on the night before the wedding, reflects the depth of Baalbek’s social and cultural identity, where community, family, and joy merge into a single vibrant scene.
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The Traditional “Bride’s Night”
According to researcher Zeinab Shmeis (Maanateq magazine), the evening begins early in the day as women from the family, neighbors, and friends gather at the bride’s home to prepare food and decorations. The menu often includes “Tabbouleh” and “Kibbeh sandwiches,” known locally as Kibbet al-Arouss, simple yet festive dishes made with meat, mint, and a touch of salt.
As the sun sets, the house fills with songs, clapping, and dancing. Women wear colorful dresses, some still choosing the Bedouin-style embroidered attire that once defined Baalbek’s beauty. Traditionally, they would paint tribal patterns on their faces and decorate the walls with patterned fabrics. Though modern touches have entered today’s celebrations, the core of this gathering — the spirit of joy, unity, and generosity — remains unchanged.
The Arrival of the Groom and the Henna Ritual
Later in the evening, the groom and his family arrive carrying the Henna tray — a beautifully decorated copper platter passed down through generations and reserved exclusively for weddings. The tray, adorned with flowers, incense, and candles, symbolizes prosperity, purity, and love. As it enters the celebration, relatives dance and lift it high in the air while chanting traditional songs such as “Jibou el-Henna bsawani lel zein el-asmarani.”
Once the tray is placed before the couple, each dips a pinky finger into the henna bowl. A family elder ties a white cloth around their fingers, marking the beginning of their shared life. Guests then approach to offer “Naqout” — small financial gifts — to bless the marriage. The custom of announcing the amount aloud, “May God bless so-and-so for giving $100 to the bride,” adds a playful spirit of friendly competition between families, reflecting Baalbek’s communal pride and generosity.
Community, Music, and Meaning
After the couple’s ceremony, the henna tray is passed around so that guests may mark their own fingers, a sign of participation and blessing. Music, drums, and Satt el-Laban (a tin or household utensil used as a percussion instrument) fill the air, blending with traditional chants passed down through generations.
Despite modernization, the Henna Night in Baalbek retains its emotional and symbolic importance. It bridges ancient Bedouin customs with the rhythms of Lebanese village life — where dance, food, and laughter form the language of togetherness.
Even when weddings today take place in elegant halls or abroad, families from Baalbek often preserve this ritual, ensuring that the Henna tray, the songs, and the community spirit travel wherever they go. This night remains a living reminder that in Baalbek, celebration is not only an event — it is an expression of belonging, identity, and pride in heritage.
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