What is Henna Essay - 1002 Words

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,†¦show more content†¦Lastly, Arabic henna designs. Arabic Henna designs are very open, usually the designs include vines going up your hands with flowers and leaves. Nowadays Arabic Henna designs are including more indian elements, keeping it simple yet elegant. These Indian Arabic fusion designs usually go diagonally through your palm in one line. So instead of traditional South Asian designs where the whole palm is full, the fusion designs take South Asian Complexity and go up your palm diagonally, and up one finger. Uses of Henna Believe it or not Henna was not always an art, henna was a crucial part of desert life , until someone discovered that it could be drawn into patterns. Historians think that Henna was first used as far back as 5000 years ago, in Ancient Egypt. Egyptians used henna on their nails and hair, henna was also used to dye animal skins, textiles, and mens facial hair(About Henna). Once the henna plants cooling properties were discovered, painting the skin became a way for people who lived in the desert in India to cool down there body. Henna is known to cool down the body a whole degree, because of the Hennotannic acid contained in the henna leaves and stem. It cools your body down the most efficiently if applied on the palms of the hands or the soles of feet. There are also many medical uses of Henna. Such as to kill ringworms and head lice, act as a sunscreen, stomach pains, burnsShow MoreRelatedMy Personal Project On The Art Of Henna1724 Words   |  7 PagesThe goal of my personal pr oject was to research and learn the art of henna. I created a documentary on researching and the process of learning henna as a product of my goal. The inspiration for my goal was my interest in the art of henna and my desire to learn more about its history. In addition, attending occasions where I saw henna being applied to others increased my desire to learn how to do it myself. Moreover, I wanted to create a project pertaining to an aspect from my own culture in orderRead MoreHenna and Old Lady1502 Words   |  7 PagesHenna in Arab countries and India Henna is a type of  temporary tattoo  that dyes the skin for several weeks. Henna is made out of a plant that is dried, ground to a dust and then made in to a paste by adding essential oils. Henna got its start in the Arab culture and remains popular to this day and growing in popularity in other countries. The paste that is made is placed into a cone or bag that closely resembles that used by cake decorators. The paste is applied to the skin in intricate designsRead MoreAnalysis : Deep Cleansing Massage1408 Words   |  6 Pagestreatment that includes delicately pouring fluids over the temple and can be one of the strides required in Panchakarma. The name originates from the Sanskrit words shiro (head) and dhara (stream). The fluids utilized as a part of shirodhara rely on upon what is being dealt with, yet can incorporate oil, milk, buttermilk, coconut water, or even plain water. 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While some may see this description of South Asian culture flat tering, it completely clarifiesRead MoreCultural Appropriation Is Inevitable Like Globalization1546 Words   |  7 PagesInto In the summer people wear flower crowns and get excited for the music festivals that come with the season. Their hair is in braids and they have henna sticker tattoos on them. Tanned, smiling and holding hands they head towards the festival s entrance. One could say this is the new version of the â€Å"Flower Power† era from the nineteen sixties and seventies (). However people continue to make the same mistake as the generation before, people decorate themselves with culturally significant itemsRead MoreAn Unknown Girl Analysis1379 Words   |  6 Pagesstall, getting her hand decorated by henna by a mysterious ‘unknown’ girl who works for a few rupees. As time passes and colors fade away, the persona imagines that the mannequins in the shop windows are staring at her. As the design is completed and a peacock unfurls its feathers on the palm of her hand, the persona feels that she has achieved a new identity, with the henna running in her veins. She desperately tries to hold on to the intricate lines of henna unwilling to let go and she thinks thatRead MoreWhat s Good About Palestine1561 Words   |  7 Pagesand put it towards the wedding. After the engagement party, the couple must do a henna party. A henna party is where the bride wears a thob, the traditional dress, and gets henna tattoos. As stated before, some people combine the engagement party and henna party into one party and some people do it separately. The henna party must be the day before the wedding, but the engagement party does not. The night of the henna party, the groom throws an all guys, all night, party; where him and his guy friendsRead MoreThe Punjabi Culture : A Culture That May Not Be Known About Outside Of The Original Culture1668 Words   |  7 Pagesspecific traditional reason. Another tradition is called Mehndi. Henna which is dye or paste that is derived from the henna tree is then placed on the brides hands and the darker it is the more the mother in law likes her according to Amritapreet. In the article â€Å"Wedding Ceremonies in Punjab† The author Kristina Myrvold explains that the bride and her friends that are not married create the Mehndi designs or seek professional henna painters. Myrvold claims that it is a tradition that deals with good