About Henna

Body art is one of the oldest and most beautiful form of art and expression, and the art of henna (also known as mehndi) is a natural, and one of the purest forms. It has been passed down from generation to generation over the past 5000 years throughout India, Africa, and the Middle East.

Henna is a dark, reddish orange plant dye derived from the shoots and leaves from the plant known as Lawsonia Alba or Lawsonia Inermis. The flowers and leaves of the plant are used as a cosmetic and for decorative purposes.

The leaves of the plant are dried and crushed into a green powder. The addition of liquids and essential oils create a smooth paste. This mehndi paste is applied to the skin and left on, for at least two hours. The application site is dyed a natural henna color of reddish brown to burnt orange. The design on the body then fades as the skin naturally exfoliates, over three to twenty-one days.

The molecules in the plant release the dye on contact with skin. The dye released stains the skin by binding to the keratin. Mehndi stains darkest on thicker skin, such as the palms and soles. As the skin naturally exfoliates, the stain starts to fade.

The application of henna to the hair is a similar process.  Read more about Henna for Hair. 

HENNA IS NOT BLACK!

Read Health Canada's warning against black henna. 

The Power of Henna

There is a certain charm and magic in henna body art. It has been applied historically for a special occasion or in celebration of an event, and has always been done with positive feelings, good wishes, good fortune, and happiness. The power of henna is known to bring good luck and fortune, protection, and spiritual wealth. Henna is also thought to cast off the evil eye, guard against black magic and get rid of harmful or supernatural forces.

Wedding Traditions

INDIA
Mehndi is a very important part of the wedding ritual and ceremony in India. It is believed that the deeper the colour obtained on the bride's skin, the longer the love between the couple will last. Thus, proper bridal henna application is tantamount to a prayer to the Gods for everlasting love and successful marriage.

After marriage, the bride goes to live with her husband and in-laws. During the first month of marriage, the bride is not expected to cook or clean, so she can use this time to get to know her in-laws and to learn the ways of her new home. The maids take care of all the work, in hopes of making the bride's mehndi last longer--a good omen. The longer the henna lasts, the more love there is all around!

MOROCCO
Henna decorating is considered vital for a girl's transition into womanhood, and so it is very important in the wedding ceremony. The bride is bathed in aromatic herbs and fragrant oils, to insure her physical and spiritual purity. The henna artist uses the henna prepared by the bride's mother. Intricate geometric motifs form patterns called the "eye of God," which are believed to provide protection from evil. Only a woman who has been married just one time can apply the design. The bride is surrounded by female friends and family members, as they rejoice in the celebration. The women dance around the bride in hopes of invoking good spirits, good luck, and dispelling all fears. This ritual ensures that the bride will have a good marriage.

After marriage, the bride does not cohabit with her in-laws. She visits her in-laws seven months after the wedding. The family shower her with blessings and offer her many gifts, including a henna session. When she returns a year later, the henna marking offered to her in the palm of her hand, represents a symbol of stability.