According to the Mishna, prior to the destruction of the Second Temple, Tu b’Av was celebrated by the daughters of Jerusalem dressing in white garments and dancing in vineyards to attract potential suitors. It is also said to be the day that the tribes of Israel met to allow marriages between the groups and the day that the tribe of Benjamin was reincorporated into the Israelite community. In Orthodox Jewish observance, the holiday marked the beginning of longer nights, which allowed for more nighttime Torah study.
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