WHAT IS HENNA?

 

At the simplest, Henna is a paste made out of crushed leaves and twigs of henna plant. The paste can also be made from dried leaves of the plant by mixing it with hot water. When this paste is applied in skin (just like writing from a marker) and left for few hours, it leaves orange to dark maroon stain in the skin which fades away in 7 to 14 days. 

In detail:
Henna is a plant (bionomial name - Lawsonia inermis) found and grown in South Asian and North African countries. It is used since ancient time to color skin, hair, fingernails, leather, and wool. The name Henna is also used for dye or paste derived from the leaves of the plant, and for the art of temporary tattooing from those paste. 
The English name "henna" comes from the Arabic حــنــا, pronounced ħinnā.

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT IS HENNA/MEHNDI?

 

People all over the world and of different religious beliefs and ethnicities use henna. Though henna and mehndi are used in some religious practices and customs it is not sacred or religious in nature. Mehndi is celebratory and often used strictly for the beautification of one’s body. Any celebration or party may include mehndi. Often, it is the reason for a gathering!

Henna has been used for centuries by many types of people. With each new introduction of place and time, the customs have transformed to suit the needs of the people. 

 

Incorporate mehndi into your traditions and know that you are the recipient of an ancient female art form. An oral traditional, that has been passed from one generation to the next. Adapt it to your life and cultural needs. 

 

Enjoy the indulgence of adorning yourself and spend some time getting acquainted with this wonderful art. Below are several examples of how henna and mehndi enter into use by different religious and ethnic groups.