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The history of henna

Looking around at other people while strolling through the mall, many of us will notice their clothes, hairstyles and which designer shopping bags they may be carrying. However, look a bit closer and you will notice many women will also be sporting intricate brown designs on their hands.

For those of us of Middle Eastern origin, or who have lived in the UAE for a while, the sight of henna tattoos adorning the hands and feet is one that we have become used to. But, for those who are still relatively unfamiliar to the custom, the art of henna tattooing can often seem mysterious and intriguing. People who may have never seen the practice before can be left wondering what these dyes markings are and what they mean, while those of us who are used to seeing henna tattoos may be accustomed to the sight, but may still not understand the cultural tradition behind the art.

Henna, otherwise known as mendhi, is a tall, shrub-like plant that grows in hot, dry climates, such as in the Middle East, Egypt, India and North Africa. The leaves of the henna plant are ground into a powder which in turn is made into a paste. It is this paste which, when applied to the skin, leaves a reddish-brown stain. Unlike tattooing with ink and needles, henna eventually wears off the skin, after around four to six weeks, and carries no risk of infection or bodily harm, although some people - particularly those with sensitive skin - could have a mild to moderate reaction to the natural chemicals within henna dye, although this is very rare. It is important to note that "black henna" is not the natural form and can, in some cases cause a severe chemical reaction with the skin leading to scarring. Natural henna will never stain black in colour.

Before the use of henna became widespread within many cultures - particularly the local culture here in the UAE - many women, from all different religions, would decorate their hands and the soles of their feet using natural dye from the fruit of the Laksa tree. This was an everyday occurrence and the sight of a woman without henna tattoos would symbolise a change in her life, such as a widow's period of mourning. The use of henna was introduced by Muslims and quickly replaced the Laksa fruits due to its comparative ease to grow and source.

Throughout the 16th century, this use of henna spread among Pakistan and North India, and emphasis began to fall upon using it as a way to mark a celebration, especially weddings. In many cultures, Middle Eastern included, the routine of decorating the bride with henna tattoos before her wedding is a whole-day affair, which gives all the women of the family a chance to bond and get to know each other before the wedding ceremony. Rather than being considered a spiritual ritual, this custom of henna tattooing among a large group of women is a celebratory event, equivalent to the pre-wedding makeover and manicure of Western brides. It is also believed by many that decorating the bride in such a way will bring her luck for the ceremony and for her life after marriage, as well as a tradition that states she must not do any household chores until the henna has completely faded - allowing her time to bond with her husband.

In keeping with the celebratory tradition of applying henna, many women - young and old - these days will adorn their hands at feet as a sign of joy and preparation for an event; around the time of religious festivals or the birth of a new baby for example.

While henna tattooing has grown in popularity among Western cultures, with many celebrities such as Madonna, Drew Barrymore and Demi Moore adorning their hands with the designs, its roots are firmly rooted in the culture and tradition from this part of the world. And with the art form appearing to be losing no favour among younger generations, who still sport the intricate and beautiful designs of their ancestors, it would seem that for generations to come, so long as there is a cause to celebrate, henna will be the way to do it.

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