Arabic Henna

For over five thousand years henna has been a symbol of good luck, health and sensuality in the Arab world. The plant has been associated with positive magic and provides us with a link to an ancient age full of good and bad spirits, baraka and jnoun. Brides throughout the Arab world still participate in the traditional henna party or ceremony. Henna is not only decorative but also carries good luck and fertility; it has baraka and protects against the jnoun. While the present generation of Arab women may apply henna for fun, some still turn to it for its magical properties. The henna is also used to protect against witchcraft or the “evil eye” and many of the motifs used in henna design are designed to ward off the eye's power. Whatever the artist's system, one can be sure it is the product of a tradition kept alive by generations of women throughout the Arab world as well as the Indian subcontinent. In the past few years, a new crop of artists has emerged in the U.S. bringing contemporary designs and techniques to the craft. But no matter how it evolves, one can never separate henna from its ancient traditions and the magic it continues to generate. Most arabic henna designs are abstract and less dense with designs featuring graceful, usually large, floral and vine patterns on the hands and feet.

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