Henna is a timeless tradition
The cultural use of Henna dates back to Ancient South Asian and Middle Eastern civilizations, its earliest known use being in Egypt approximately 7,000 years ago for mummification rituals. For centuries, Henna has been valuable to ceremonies in these regions, encompassing beauty, spirituality and community.
The henna plant (Lawsonia inermis) has long been harvested, ground into powder, mixed into a paste, and applied to stain skin, hair, and nails. It was traded along the Silk Road, spreading customary use and cultural significance across Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. The longstanding custom of applying henna is associated with celebrations and ceremonies, being most popular nowadays for weddings and religious holidays like Eid or Diwali. Intricate henna designs historically symbolize joy, fertility and feminine energy. There is no doubt that many patterns remain distinct to a culture, each carrying different motifs. For example, Fessi Moroccan henna is much more geometric while Desi henna traditionally entails florals and mandalas.
Not only was natural henna utilized for ornamentation, but it was also used medicinally in the time of the Mughal Empire. If you have gotten your henna done, you might have noticed that it feels cooling on the skin. Thus, the plant it is derived from was used to lower body temperatures, reduce irritation on skin and treat skin conditions. To this day, naturally-sourced henna powder is therapeutic and used by midwives as an anti-inflammatory.
Knowing the history of henna is vital for those who are creative with it; this way we can set the intention to honor its classic roots while embracing its evolution. I am grateful to be carrying such a durable and impactful practice, one that connects me with my ancestors. Henna, simply put, is a temporary tattoo, but its mark is permanently left on history and culture, for countless generations. Its stain, while it fades from the skin, is deeply-rooted in the stories and traditions it carries forward.
Miczak, Marie Anakee. Henna's Secret History: The History, Mystery & Folklore of Henna. Milady Publishing, 2001.
