What is Henna?

1006 Words3 Pages

Henna is a very old art, from over 5000 years ago. It is used in many traditions cultures and countries. It is so old that historians cannot definitely say where it originated from. It is used as a way of self expression, and for joyous occasions. This essay will be stating information about the history, uses, medicinal uses, the traditions and beliefs of Henna and the different styles in which Henna can be painted.

What is henna?
Henna is the word describing the process of painting patterns on the body and it also refers to the plant Lawsonia Inermis. Lawsonia Inermis is the plant used for making the henna paste. It is a flowering tree that grows 12 to 15 feet tall, so it is not a big tree, more like a large shrub( Petkewich). It grows in warm, arid regions of the world such as India, Pakistan, and Northern Africa, the plant contains the most dye when grown in temperatures close to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but it wilts at temperatures close to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The art of Henna is a very old tradition, crucial to many cultures in south Asia and the Middle East. For example, no wedding in India is complete without a night where all the girls from the bride’s side of the family come to put on henna.Not only is it important in Indian weddings, but it is important in almost all Middle Eastern, African and South Asian weddings. When we talk about putting henna on our bodies, it’s not at all simple, there are many styles and and strokes and techniques the artists have to use to make sure they don’t mess up.

Types of Henna Styles
The 3 most common styles in Henna. North African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian...

... middle of paper ...

...om the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

Henna is a lot of things. It’s a medicine, it’s an art, it’s a plant, and it’s a way to bejewel yourself with no jewels. And in many cultures henna has become a very important part of life, for every ceremony, every holiday, every festival, henna is used. Henna is now being used in the US for temporary tattoos, so it has also become a healthy painless way to tattoo yourself. A lot of people tattoo their partners name, but if they break up, then that tattoo will always be there. Henna is a much better option for tattooing because it’s not permanent . Why should someone get tattooed with harsh permanent ink, when there’s a natural and safe alternative? Why should someone use painkillers for mild pain, when they can use henna? Until now, henna was looked at as a form of art, but it can be so much more if you use it effectively.

More about What is Henna?

Open Document