Wondering when did henna use start? Curious how folks from centuries ago discovered henna and its applications? Are you into this type of body art? In this article, we talk about henna tattoo origin, uses, and applications.
Art is a common aspect of our humanity. Cavemen, for instance, started recording their adventures by drawing on their walls. These acts are their way of expressing themselves. A means of handing down wisdom and experience to the next generation.
As humans evolve, there is also an evolution as to our way of expressing ourselves. We developed numerous ways of showing oneâs emotion through art. You name it: writing, sculpting, performing, music, and painting. One of the most common forms of art in today’s generation is body art.
Nowadays, the art of tattooing becomes more acceptable in society for its aesthetic purposes. Some consider it as untidy. Others deem it as way of telling their personal journey in life.
There are different forms of body art. This article, however, will only focus on one of the earliest forms. The art of henna.
Want to learn more about the art? Would you like to know about henna tattoo origin, uses, or applications? Read on.
What Is Henna
What is henna? Henna is mehndi in Hindi and Urdu (Persianised Hindustani language). It is a type of body art, albeit temporary (compared to conventional, permanent body ink). Henna tattoo origin, uses, or its applications vary in different civilizations. Defined mainly by their respective cultures or practices.
In this article, we examine the differences between henna and mehndi. We will also look into the henna tattoo origin, uses, or applications. Or its history, in general. Or how it relates to the different cultures.
Let’s start off with how henna is distinct from mehndi.
Difference between Henna and Mehndi
Before going into the henna tattoo origin, uses, and applications, let’s distinguish the two terms: henna and mehndi. What is Mehndi? How is different from what we already recognized as henna?
Mehndi (âme-hen-deeâ) is a Hindi term that describes the act of applying henna on the body. This implies mehndi is also the result of applying henna on our body.
Henna, on the other hand, is a kind of plant from which the tattoo ink is derived. Etymologically, henna comes from the Arabic word Al-Hinna.
We can say, then, that the difference between henna and mehndi is a matter of material and action. Henna is the material for the tattoo process. Mehndi is the act of applying the henna itself.
Because of habit and lack of etymological clarifications, mehndi and henna are often used interchangeably. We seldom use the term mehndi to refer to the act of applying henna itself. On the contrary, we commonly refer to henna to pertain to the act. On the other hand, we say mehndi when we talk about the plant.
But it is still acceptable to use both terms interchangeably. You will not get into any kind of trouble though.
In common usage, we associate the term henna with three things:
- as a flowering plant,
- as the material used in the art of mehndi, and
- the act of mehndi. Simply put, henna pertains to the plant, dye material, and body art.
Now that we made the distinctions, let’s proceed with the henna tattoo origin, uses, and applications.
Henna Tattoo Origin Uses, and Applications
Let’s start with henna tattoo origin.
Wondering where did this henna practice come from? Who were the first people who started applying henna on their body? What is the purpose?
Researchers cannot exactly point out the origins of henna. This difficulty is due to centuries of interaction among different cultures and migration. They also contend that henna originated in ancient India.
Some historians believe that henna was brought to India by the Egyptians in the 12th century. Others postulate mehndi began in the Middle East and North Africa during ancient times. Historical evidence points to the Catal Huyuk of the Neolithic people. They used henna to adorn their hands in worship with their fertility goddess.
There are also early civilizations that show evidence of the usage of henna. These include the Babylonians, Semites, Assyrians, Canaanites, and Ugaritics. The use of henna is also familiar in southern China. Its use is primarily for erotic rituals. It dates back 3,000 years ago.
A tablet discovered in northwest Syria is one of earliest written evidence of henna tattoo. It dates back to 2100 BC. It mentioned the practice of henna as an ornament for a womanâs special occasion. In addition, it speaks of the Ugaritic legend of Baal and Anath. Still, historians argue that henna use dated at least 5,000 years ago in both cosmetic and healing capacities.
Still want more facts on henna tattoo origin, uses, and applications? OK. Read on.
Indian Origins
Historical evidence points to India. Western India, that is. Henna tattoo origin, uses, and applications dated back to the 4th and 5th centuries. This was clearly illustrated on the Bodhisattvas.
Indians discovered the cooling effects of the henna plant. They used it to cover their hands and feet. Thereafter, they found out that henna can also be used to make intricate designs. A cooling agent and for body art, they realized. As wider recognition spread, the designs became more complex. They associated the designs with various meanings.
Henna tattoo origin, uses, and applications weren’t only limited to India. Did you know researchers also discovered henna usage in ancient Egypt? The practice was to stain the fingers and toes of pharaohs, royals, and other important personalities before mummification. Ani, a mummified scribe believed to have lived around 1400 B.C., had henna-stained fingernails.
Next to henna tattoo origin, uses and applications are interesting points to look into. What are its traditional uses? Why do many cultures practice the same art of applying henna on their body?
Worldwide Influence
Many indigenous and native peoples around the world, ancient or modern, believe that the art of henna harnesses the earthâs energies. They apply henna to interact with the spirits. Together with its spiritual uses and its cooling factor, henna is also used for cosmetic purposes in different regions:
- the Roman Empire,
- Ancient Egypt and Convivencia-period Iberia,
- parts of North Africa,
- the Horn of Africa,
- East and South Asia,
- the Arabian Peninsula,
- Pakistan, and
- Australia.
Henna is also traditionally used in special occasions such as holidays, birthdays, and weddings. Regions that adhere to these traditions are Africa, Pakistan, India, and other countries in the Middle East.
As society develops, the practice of henna art grew. For example, people create henna art on the hands of a woman in labor. They believe it helps for a safe and normal delivery.
Henna art is also a big part in wedding ceremonies. Brides decorate their hands and feet with henna art. It takes hours to complete them. And it takes many henna artists to do it.
Wedding Henna
Brides aren’t the only ones getting the henna body art. Weddings guests also receive henna tattoos. Perhaps it’s a way of showing the couple’s appreciation for their presence in this important event. Henna art designs usually appear on the back of the hands of guests.
But what’s the significance of getting a henna tattoo for the bride? Tradition states she isn’t allowed to do household chores until the henna tattoo disappears. Henna art also brings blessing and good luck. What’s more, applying the body art on the bride’s hands and feet will enhance the bond between her and her husband.
Today, brides prefer to apply henna art before their wedding day. This allows them to fully enjoy their wedding night. This way, it leaves the henna ink the time to stain and dry better. Tradition says the darker the stain will result into a better marriage. There will also be harmony between families. Perhaps this is the reason why the bride prefers to apply the henna as soon as possible!
Henna tattoo origin, uses, and applications aside, the practice of henna has gained popularity in our times. You no longer need to wait for your wedding day. Or to be a bride for that matter. You can enjoy henna tattoos any time you like. Non-traditional henna designs are usually a mix of all of the above and already personalized per individual.
Usually, henna tattoos take the form of symbols. You name it: religious, spiritual, native, and tribal. Others choose a design that does not tell a story of their life but is mainly for aesthetic purposes. Basically, the variety of designs is as limitless as your imagination.
Now that we’re done with henna tattoo origin, uses, and applications, let’s look into the plant itself.
About the Henna Plant
Did you know the plant grows up to 15 feet high? The term henna comes from the Arabic term áž„innÄ. Other names for the plant include hina, henna tree, mignonette tree, and the Egyptian privet.
The decorative powers of the henna plant come from the reddish-orange dye called the âlawsone.â If it binds to our skin, it leaves a stain on the surface of our skin. The quality of the stain, which is considered as the tattoo already, depends on two factors:
- the quality of the henna and
- how the skin reacts to the dye.
Usually, the color of the henna ranges from pale orange to nearly black. A henna plant, which grows in hot and dry climates produces good quality dyes. It stains the darkest on the skin.
The plant grows best in temperatures of 49 °C and produces more dye. It withers in humid and damp temperatures below 10 °C. Along with the environmentâs temperature, the henna plant also grows best in dry soil rather than moist soil.
Now that we’ve talked about henna tattoo origin, uses, and the plant itself, let’s go to its applications.
Application of the Henna Dye
When properly applied to the body, the henna is difficult to remove. No chemicals will take it off for a period of time. Henna also stains slightly better if it is mixed with different colored food dyes.
So how can we apply henna on our body?
First, we need to let the leaves of the henna plant dry. After the leaves are completely dried, crush it into a fine powder until it becomes a creamy paste. Different cultures use different techniques to achieve the desired texture. Then apply the paste on the top layer of the skin, staining it.
Naturally, the henna will dye the skin into an orange or brown color. Do not be anxious or confused when the henna looks dark green (or maybe dark brown depending on the henna) when you apply it on your skin. The greenish look will eventually flake off and reveal an orange stain. This orange stain becomes reddish-brown after one to three days of application.
Henna Application
You may be thinking, Why is henna usually applied on the hands and feet, the palms and sole respectively?
These are areas of the body that stain the darkest. It’s due to its thickness and the abundance of keratin. Body parts which are farther from the hands and feet result into less color. Thus, the face area usually stains the lightest.
Henna tattoos generally stay on skin from one to four weeks, depending on these factors:
- skin surface
- how far away is it from the hands and feet
- the quality of the henna
- the way you take care of the henna tattoo
- the skin type
Henna body art works on all skin types and colors. However, hennas may look more prominent on one personâs skin and not as much on another. But nevertheless, henna is a symbol of beauty, art, and happiness. It is meant for everyone. Regardless of being temporary or permanent, tattoos play an important role mirroring a countryâs tradition, social and cultural practices, and history.
Hope you like our article on henna tattoo origin, uses, and applications.
If you are interested in getting a henna tattoo artist at your next party or event, get in touch with our talented artists. We create fun, intricate henna tattoo designs within the Loveland, Fort Collins, Windsor, and nearby areas in Colorado. Contact us at (970) 377-0093.