The Beauty Ceremony of the Traditional Kosovar Wedding Face Painting

Valdrin Xhemaj/EPA/EFE

A Kosovar Bosnian bride Sellma Demirovic has her face painted by Aziza Sefitagic on her wedding day for a traditional ceremony in the village of Donje Ljubinje, Kosovo.

The tradition, whose origins date from beyond living memory, is virtually viewed by almost all residents with universal pride as it has come to symbolize this place’s special identity. The bride has her face painted to prevent bad luck during the wedding ceremony. Donje Ljubinje is situated in the Shar mountains that form the border between Kosovo and Macedonia.

Valdrin Xhemaj/EPA/EFE

Valdrin Xhemaj/EPA/EFE

Valdrin Xhemaj/EPA/EFE

Valdrin Xhemaj/EPA/EFE

Valdrin Xhemaj/EPA/EFE

Valdrin Xhemaj/EPA/EFE

Valdrin Xhemaj/EPA/EFE

Valdrin Xhemaj/EPA/EFE