For over five thousand years, henna has been painted on the hands and feet by generations of women in the Middle East, a tradition that exists to this day. Henna is a natural dye produced from dried ground leaves of a small flowering shrub, the Lawsonia Inermis. In its purest form, traditional deep reddish-brown henna is generally mixed with sugar, tea, lemon juice and essential oils. The stain can be from pale orange to nearly black depending on the quality of the henna and how well ones skin takes it. Good henna, fresh from hot and dry climates, will stain the darkest.
In the Arab world, where henna is something of a natural accessory for women, the plant has been associated with positive magic as a symbol of good luck, health and beauty. The custom of applying henna is laden with symbolism; historically, it has been used ornamentally, for medicinal purposes and for rituals as well; the belief was that it could ward. Off evil, promote fertility and attract good energy.
The intricate geometric patterns designed are something extremely enthralling, hands and feet are painted with a number of shapes and symbols: Flower, stripes, leaves, feathers and abstract designs. It takes a very steady hand to apply the henna tattoos correctly, but only the most experienced artist can execute tiny detailed designs. The paste is carefully applied and must remain on the skin for several hours to create a strong dark stain. Henna is applied using sticks or toothpicks, though today many prefer homemade plastic cones; once the paste is applied it needs two to four hours to dry and crack.
As a positive symbol henna plays is important role during holidays and public celebrations, especially weddings. Eids and other religious holidays are also occasions to be hennaed. A common practice, seen in India and in the Islamic world, is the pre wedding tradition of “Night of Henna”, when the bride gets her hands and fingertips decorated at a party attended by the bride’s relatives. Henna is a gift of beauty, an art that knows no boundaries in culture, religious or spiritual beliefs. Its natural and exotic allure and the magic it continues to generate will never fade.
The main reason women in the UAE apply henna on their hand and feet is to celebrate a special occasion. However, henna has been used for many reasons. Henna was a cooling aid for hot summer months that has been used for men and women of different ages.
Without the patterns and designs used now, henna was applied at the sole of the feet and in the balm of the hand. It was believed that it keeps skin hydrated during the hot summer months and would leave a nice trace of smell.
Another reason to mention is the fact that henna is not only applied on skin. Henna has been and still used as dying agent for hair. It gives hair a shinning treatment with some red tint. It also believed to treat headaches. One important fact about the old generation that they have never dyed their hair in a beauty salon with the chemical hair dye, yet they ask for henna hair color to be applied either at the convenience of their home or at the beauty salon. For that reason, many grandmothers are henna red heads. The whiter the hair is the redder the hair becomes.
- Source: UAE 101 Stories and Cultural Learning
- A Guidebook to the Emirati Culture
- By: Roudha Al Marri/ Ilaria Caielli
*Photos used for illustrative purpose only.