LOC10:58
07:58 GMT
KUN0017 4 GEN 0247 KUWAIT /KUNA-UFC1
CUL-TUNISIA-JASMINE
Jasmine bouquets central ritual in Tunisian weddings
(With photos)
TUNIS, Aug 31 (KUNA) -- The collection of jasmine and special arrangements
from these flowers is a traditional and old handicraft in Tunisia and the
flower is of great importance in the Tunisian wedding rituals in particular.
This is easy to spot nowadays as it is the harvest season.
Tunisia has its own unique jasmine trees and the Tunisians are famous for
special aroma-rich bouquets from this flower.
Throughout the years and from one generation to another, a belief was
passed down that the jasmine bouquets, especially in weddings, are a symbol of
and attributes to manhood, and a groom therefore should carry the bouquet on
his wedding night.
The brides are also expected to wear jasmine necklaces on their wedding day
and on other happy occasions and celebrations.
The jasmine bouquet industry booms during the summer season in Tunisia,
where these bouquets could be found around the streets across the country and
sold to tourists as well as nationals.
There is a special method used in the making of the bouquet that is passed
from one generation to another, where it is considered in the Tunisian suburbs
a method of expressing profound messages of deep feeling among couples.
Husbands usually return home with a bouquet in their hand or the wife
decorates the house with jasmines as a symbol of their love and which
influences their emotions.
The poets and artists have also been inspired by the jasmine
bouquets in Tunisia as an affirmation of their beauty and their silent
expression of pure feelings, due to the flower's bright white and its strong
refreshing aroma.
The plantation of the original jasmine seed is only found in Tunisia,
namely in the moderate warm areas, such as in Hammammet and the east coast
areas. It was originally grown only in home gardens but later progressed to
large farms and the activity has become a production and export sector in
itself which brings in great profit.
The jasmine seed is first planted in spring time in early February and
March and the harvest starts in July and lasts until early September.
The jasmine bouquets are also admired by the foreign tourists and expats in
Tunisia for its strong fragrance and unique shape.
Jasmine oils have also become widespread in Tunisia. The jasmine seeds are
stored in refrigerated houses during the summer season. They are then exported
to the well-known international perfume companies which use quite a lot of
blossoms to extract a tiny treasured amount of aromatic oil.(end)
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