Laurel's Mehndi

The henna plant (Lawsonia inermis) is a small shrub, whose leaves are collected, dried and reduced to a powder all in the name of beauty. When mixed with a special liquid, like lemon juice, tea or coffee, the henna forms a paste with temporary dying powers. It stains the skin a beautiful red, ranging anywhere from deep burgundy, to bright orange, to burnt sienna. Henna has a distinct herbal scent; its stain lasts several weeks—many believe the longer, the better. Recipes, patterns, and application techniques vary from woman to woman, from culture to culture; there are thousands of ways to tattoo with henna, making it a sincerely unique and individual means of communication.

The art of henna began in the hot climates of the Eastern Mediterranean. Its first uses include a medicine and coolant to soothe the skin that was exposed to the intense desert heat, as well as a textile dye. The leaves, stems and seeds were pulverized and perhaps added to fragrant liquids to condition dry hair and callused skin, to act as a natural sunblock, and most importantly, to keep the body’s temperature low. When thickly applied to the palms or soles of the feet, henna seems to magically draw out heat. For this reason, henna is also used to combat headaches and fever.

Ancient healers found the henna plant to be an excellent antiseptic as well. It protects against surface bacteria and fungi, and thus was applied to nails (especially after pregnancy), small cuts and burns. Additionally, various formulas of henna have been used to heal insect bites, dry sores, and toughen skin against abrasion and blistering. Henna reduces sweat, can soothe sore throats with a solution made to gargle, and has also been known to help fight mild infectious disease.

So many unique and practical uses of the henna plant logically lead to the cosmetic application we know today. It is only natural for a human to turn something so useful and abundant into a beautiful art form. Just like turning a functional container into an elegant crystal vase, so have humans transformed an herbal medication into beautiful body decoration. Henna tattoos, sprung from practicality, now represent the love between a man and woman; serve as protection against evil; and strengthen the bond between mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and friends. Though traditionally a woman’s art, mehndi is not limited to the female. There are many rituals that do include men. And in the modern Western world, it is not unusual to see a man with intricate henna tattoos, or even a male mehndi artist.

Trade routes and religious missions took the henna plant from Greece to Egypt and North Africa, to Arabia and India, Tibet, Persia and Spain. Each culture embraced the plant in its own unique way; though recipes and designs vary from region to region, the basic purpose of mehndi remains the same; henna tattoos are a celebration and protection. They are always present during holidays and festivals, weddings, pregnancies and births, and especially during the hottest days of the summer. Henna provides a reason to get together, to slow down, enjoy life and to honor the things that make us special. The henna artist plays an important role in these festivals.