Henna, a part of the South Asian culture (Henna Tattoos)

Member Name: doctorsmonsters

Product:	Henna Tattoos
Date:	25/08/08 (66 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful patterns, dark brown colour, temperory-if you don't want a permanent tattoo.

Disadvantages: Not your thing if you want a permanent tattoo.

Henna is actually a plant usually found in Africa, southern Asia, and northern Australasia in semi-arid zones. I wouldn't call it tattoo; it's more like a dye.

The application is simple; you just add water to the henna powder, make a paste, apply it, wait till it dries up and then wash it off, leaving the pattern. Nowadays, it has turned into a big market, with companies making henna cones, which are ready to use and easy to use for making patterns on hands and feet.

Henna can be used on any part of the body as it's totally harmless. Most of the times, it is used on hands and feet. But it rural areas, it is used on hair instead of hair dye. Even on nails instead of nail polish! It is mostly applied before weddings and festivals by females. Young girls gather and apply henna on each other's hands. It is applied on the bride's palms a night before the wedding, called "mehndi".

The word mehndi is synonymous with henna. The henna for the mehndi night is bought by the bride groom's family. Girls holding plates of henna and candles dance in circle, usually lead by the bride groom's sister. Then they put their henna plates in the middle and dance around it.

Women usually add other stuff along with water to the powder, usually vinegar, with the belief that it darkens the color. Other women leave the powder soaked in water for a night with the same belief.

I wouldn't be wrong if I say henna is one of the most used herbal products in Pakistan, India and Afghanistan. It has become an important part of our culture.

Summary: Henna is probably the most used herbal product in south asian festials and celebrations.