HENNA
The tradition of henna (aka mehndi, chinah, or myrtle) as body art has been around for at least the last 5,000 years, but historians believe the tradition can be traced as far back as 9,000 years. Traditionally, henna is made from the dried and powdered leaves of the henna plant. The colour left behind after the henna paste has dried and flaked off is usually light brown with orange or reddish tones. Some variants are darker.
Ancient cultures first started applying henna to their hands and feet simply as a way to cool their body temperatures. Over time, the application process evolved into creating intricate patterns and designs. Today, this type of body art remains a very important part of wedding, birthday, and holiday celebrations for Middle-Eastern and Indo-Pakistani cultures. The practice has also become popular as a tool of self-expression in the West.
Henna designs are frequently composed of floral, paisley, and lacy designs. Mandalas are exceptionally frequent as part of the motifs.