The History And Evolution Of Henna Designs

by Sana Bun

The History And Evolution Of Henna Designs

27 Mar 2024

Henna dye has been widely practised in certain parts of the world for thousands of years. Its purposes have ranged from religious customs to beauty rituals, with henna designs adorning the skin in intricate patterns. Let’s explore the origin of this ancient product to see how its usage has transformed throughout the ages.

Back in the day, people in the SWANA region would turn leaves, stems, and flowers of Lawsonia inermis shrub into a paste that used to be applied to the skin to treat burns, headaches, and even open wounds while the ones living in hot climates soaked their palms and soles in it to cool down.

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Alongside functional implementation, henna has also found its place in cultural celebrations and rituals related to different stages of life. Egyptians, for instance, used it in body embalming and painted mummies’ nails with henna as a protection and blessing to the deceased on their journey to the next world.

At the same time, henna designs have become an integral part of wedding ceremonies as a symbol of health and prosperity in the Middle East and India. Thus, during Night of the Henna, one of the most known practices, a bride's hands and feet get adorned with ingenious patterns.

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The new beginning for henna came in the XX century when the material’s popularity increased and broadened to the West. There, it was discovered to contain a Lawsone — a copper-coloured pigment that binds with the protein and leaves a long-lasting stain on the skin, hair, and nails. From that moment on, henna has evolved beyond traditional uses, becoming a strainer for body art, hair, and natural fabrics.

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Even though the cosmetic industry has moved forward since then, up to the present day henna holds its position and remains a common element of beauty routine for many people due to its natural origin and care properties, which is a crucial factor for Muslims. Unlike synthetic chemicals contained in the majority of products, it is plant-based, doesn’t involve animal harm, or violates Islamic dietary and behaviour restrictions, which makes henna halal.

For instance, Muslims can’t pray with nail polish or gel on their nails as before the prayer they are supposed to wash hands. The artificial nail coating creates a barrier between the nail bed and water, making the ablution incomplete, while henna stain doesn’t and can be kept on during worship.

At the same time, henna designs also open another gate for self-expression in a religious environment, making body art accessible. Permanent tattoos are considered to be haram, thus forbidden as they alter the natural creation of the body, while henna only leaves a temporary tint, which is allowed and commonly practised.

by Sana Bun