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The origins of henna -

Henna has been used in its powder and paste forms as a natural dye and herbal remedy for thousands of years. It’s best known through the tradition of henna 'tattoos' in India, but it is also found in many other countries across Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East.

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Mehndi -

The term henna is Arabic and refers to both the plant and the substance extracted from the plant. In India, henna is known as mehndi.

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The henna plant -

Henna is derived from the fragrant henna plant, or lawsonia intermis. Henna thrives in dry soil at temperatures of around 120°F (48°C). Experts are unsure of the exact origins of the plant, as its recorded use goes back thousands of years and spans many different countries.

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Henna products -

Crushed henna leaves can be turned into a powder or paste that is usually a deep green. Henna is high in lawsone, a natural deep orange/reddish dye, so while the paste is green, the resulting color is red-toned.

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Color range -

The result can range from faint orange to deep burgundy, depending on the quality of the henna, the length of time it sits on the skin, and how the skin takes it.

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Early medicinal use -

Henna was also believed to have medicinal value, and was used to treat a wide range of ailments such as headaches, stomach aches, burns, and open wounds.

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Developing into an artform -

It was eventually observed that henna dyes the skin temporarily when left to sit for a while. The use of henna eventually evolved to become decorative. Easy access to the henna plant meant all members of society could decorate their skin with henna designs.

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Ancient Egypt -

In ancient Egypt, henna was used decoratively on the body as a beauty practice. It’s said that even Cleopatra, the last reigning queen of Egypt, used to be painted with henna.

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Ancient Egypt - However, the ancient Egyptians also used henna in their burial rituals. It was used to paint the fingernails of the dead before mummification.

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Henna and celebration -

As the use of henna evolved over the centuries, it adopted new significance and meaning in various cultures. In most countries where henna is used, it is associated with times of celebration.

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Celebrating Eid -

In communities that practice Islam, women decorate their skin with henna designs to celebrate Eid, the festival that occurs at the end of the month of Ramadan.

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Celebrating Eid -

In Rawalpindi, Pakistan, these traders at a camel market were photographed painting their camels with henna in celebration of Eid.

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Diwali -

In India, henna is traditionally associated with weddings, but it is also worn during religious holidays and cultural festivities like Diwali.

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Wedding henna -

Henna plays a huge role in Indian weddings. In the run-up, there is usually a henna night where the bride-to-be is decorated with intricate designs, often from the hands all the way up to the elbows. The rest of the bridal party will usually attend and have their own henna done as well.

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Calming the nerves -

In addition to looking beautiful and complementing the traditional Indian wedding attire, the natural cooling effect of henna paste is believed to calm the nerves.

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The depth of the color -

There are a number of superstitions surrounding wedding henna. For example, a common belief is that the darker the color of the henna stain, the stronger the bond will be between husband and wife. Other factors such as the placement of the henna and the design style also hold significance.

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Placement -

Henna designs that are done on the palms are said to open the person up to receive and offer blessings. Designs painted on the backs of the hands offer protection.

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Placement -

The most intricate designs and the darkest henna are usually concentrated on the warmest parts of the body, such as the palms or the feet. A bride will often have a heavily detailed design on her palms, perhaps even telling a story and including images of herself and her future husband.

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The common designs -

The rest of her fingers and arms will also be painted, but usually with simpler patterns like vines or paisley designs. Now, click on for a breakdown of the meanings of some of the most common designs.

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The Sahasrara -

The Sahasrara is a complex symbol that looks like a lotus flower and signifies unity. It’s most commonly found drawn on the palms.

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The peacock -

The peacock is the national bird of India, and, unsurprisingly, it also represents beauty. Peacock feathers are believed to bring prosperity, and birds generally signify the connection between heaven and earth. This symbol is usually drawn on the backs of the hands or the back.

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Paisley -

Paisley print might bring to mind the brightly colored shirts of the 1960s, but these ornate mango-shaped motifs date back thousands of years to modern-day Pakistan and Iran. They can be decorated in many different ways, but the shape is associated with fertility. They are usually found on the hands and feet.

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The lotus flower -

Flowers are commonly seen in henna designs, with the lotus flower being the most popular, as it symbolizes grace and purity. They are usually drawn on the hands or back.

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The eye -

An eye or evil eye symbol is usually drawn for protection against evil intentions. They’re usually placed on the back of the hand, an area associated with protection, or on the neck.

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Other beliefs -

These are just a few examples of the many different symbols and patterns found in henna tattoos, each with its own meaning and intention. They can be applied for many festivities and life events outside of weddings and religious holidays. For example, a pregnant woman might have henna designs on her belly for good health. Some people experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy have similar designs on their heads.

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North African henna -

While India has the most internationally known henna culture, it’s also commonly used in North Africa. The differences in styles can be clearly observed, as African henna historically features more geometric patterns. The henna of four young Moroccan girls is pictured here.

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Other uses for henna -

Henna has many other applications in health, beauty, and even the textile industry. Other cosmetic uses for henna include dying nails and hair. It has become a popular alternative to chemical hair dyes worldwide.

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Hair dye -

Henna can add a copper or burgundy tone when applied to the hair, and is ideal for covering up roots or gray hairs without causing damage. Some regular users suggest adding a little coffee to the paste if you want a darker result.

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Hair treatment -

Some people use henna simply as a natural hair treatment because it has so many benefits. It’s said to encourage hair growth, protect the hair from heat, and leave it looking healthy and shiny.

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The popularization of henna -

The popularity of henna products has spread worldwide, thanks to celebrities sporting the intricate designs and henna 'tattoos' becoming a popular beauty service for tourists on vacation. The beauty of henna is universally appreciated, but the cultural and spiritual significance is understood by a select few.

Sources: (The Express Tribune) (Byrdie) (St. Thomas University) (Morocco World News) (Jetset Times)

See also: Bizarre beauty trends

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