Why is a bride's face painted white in Albania?

A unique wedding tradition preserved for centuries in the Kichevo region of Albania continues to spark interest today.

According to it, the bride's face is painted completely white before the wedding ceremony. Afterwards, delicate patterns are drawn on her face, and it is decorated with coins and various national ornaments. This complex process usually takes several hours to complete.

There are various views regarding the origin of this custom. Some sources state that the white paint and facial patterns are symbols meant to protect the bride from the evil eye and malevolent forces. However, this interpretation has not been fully confirmed by historical sources.

Nevertheless, this unique ritual has not lost its significance to this day. It is recognized not only as a distinct culture of the Kichevo region but also as one of the unique values reflecting the rich historical heritage and national traditions of the Albanian people.