For over 5000 years, Pakistan, India, Africa, and the Middle East have practiced Henna
Henna also known as mehndi in Hindi and Urdu. It was first employed for its natural cooling powers by people living in scorching desert areas. A paste would be produced, and the palms and soles of the feet would be soaked. It was also used medicinally, being used to the skin to cure stomach problems, burns, headaches, and open wounds.
Since lawsone, a reddish-orange dye found in the plant, binds to the keratin in skin, it was discovered that the paste left a temporary stain on the skin. Because lawsone was available to individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds, the usage of henna evolved to ornamental purposes.
Moroccan Henna Traditions
Nowadays, the major uses of henna are in the happy meeting of people for special events like birthdays and weddings. The darker the henna stain, according to certain cultures, indicates a deeper level of love between two people. Henna paste is a symbol of good health and marital wealth.
Henna has long been prized for its medicinal properties and was thought by some to possess baraka, or blessedness, which might ward off evil spirits.
In Moroccan rural life, henna played a crucial role in both religious holidays and communal festivities. It was on these occasions that ladies would apply henna tattoos.
Applying henna for special events can often be considered a unique event in and of itself, with women and girls getting together for “henna parties” in order to get ready for the celebration or holiday that is approaching.
Moroccan family would spend a lot of money entertaining guests at weddings, throwing parties with lots of food, music, and hospitality.
It was thought that joyous occasions like marriages may draw unfavorable attention from evil entities. The
