Henna History

Traditionally, henna is used to decorate the hands and feet for ceremonies and celebrations. Mehndi is used across all classes in Eastern society; its meaning and significance the same for the poorest or richest woman.

As with many female traditions, there is relatively little documented evidence for the origins and development of henna body art. Instead, the art of preparing and applying henna decoration to the skin has been passed from Mother to daughter down the centuries.

The oldest documented uses of henna for cosmetic purposes are from Eygpt. Here it was used to colour and condition the hair and to stain the nails. Traces of henna have been found on the mummified remains of Pharoahs

Though there is some evidence that henna use was common throughtout Northern Africa and the Middle East, the practice never spread to Europe. Henna is a tall plant best grown in large fields. It requires a hot, dry climate and, so, is not suited to Europe's wetter weather.

The Moguls cared the art of henna decoration with them from the Middle East through Pakistan and India in the sixteenth century. From there it later spread to Bangladesh, Malaysia and Indonesia. Each of these countries has developed its own tradition of female henna body art but always for similar purposes: weddings and other ceremonies.

In Indian wedding celebrations, the groom's family provide the henna for all of the female members of the wedding party. His female relatives bring the henna and the mothers of both the bride and groom place a little henna in the couple's palms before the application begins. The women from both families then use the time spent applying the henna decorations to get to know one-another, sharing stories and advice.

With migration and the increase in long-haul tourism, henna became known to the Western world. Now, mehndi is widely recognised as an art form and used by both Eastern and Westerners.