Henna...

Henna tattoos have existed in Africa and the Middle East for generations and were most often used in ceremonies. Now the popularity of henna tattoos have spread to other parts of the world, with people using it for a variety of other uses, like fashion.Henna is a dye created from the Lawsonia plant Inermis through the process of drying the leafs and then crushing them into a dark paste.The dark dye called henna is used to stain the skin when creating tattoos. The dye is temporary and lasts for a few days before naturally washing off.The history and origin of Henna is hard to trace with centuries of migration and cultural interaction it is difficult to determine where particular traditions began. There is very persuasive evidence that the Neolithic people in Catal Huyuk, in the 7th millennium BC, used henna to ornament their hands in connection with their fertility goddess. The word Henna has its origin in the Arabic word Al-Hinna. In botanical terms it is Lawsonia Enermis, a plant which grows to be 4 to 8 feet high in hot climates.The art of henna decorating has been practiced in Northern Africa, the Middle East, Southern Asia.The art form of henna (Arabic) or mehndi (Hindi) varies from region to region. Varying designs have a different meaning for members of each culture, such as good health, fertility, wisdom, protection and spiritual enlightenment. While Arabic henna designs are usually large, floral patterns on the hands and feet, Indian mehndi involves fine, thin lines for lacy, floral and paisley patterns covering entire hands, forearms, feet and shins.

African henna patterns are bold, large geometric designs.Throughout time henna has been associated with special celebrations. Betrothals, weddings, the eighth month of pregnancy, the birth, the 40th day after a woman gives birth, naming ceremonies, circumcisions, etc, are all events celebrated with henna. Eids, and other religious holidays are also occasions to be hennaed. There are also some healing ceremonies, like the Zar in North Africa, which include its use. A common practice seen in India and in the Islamic world is the pre-wedding tradition of 'Night of Henna' parties, like the Sudanese one described earlier.

Henna was a traditional folk art, and in some cases henna actually replaced jewellery for families that couldn’t afford jewellery as gifts, so the henna designs sometimes emulated bangles and rings.