Henna morocco
What is Henna?
The word “Henna” in Arabic means red. Many people in Morocco refer to it with another word – “mehndi”. This is the name of the shrub from which henna is being derived and is also the name for the art of tattooing.
What is the Origin of Henna?
Although the origin of Henna is hard to pinpoint, it has been suggested that it was developed in Northern Africa and then later introduced to Asia and India by North African travellers. Some claim the traditional henna art in Morocco to be traced back to the indigenous Berber communities in the country.
How is Henna Dye Produced?
Henna is a dye produced from the Henna plant. To produce the dye, dried Henna leaves are ground into powder and mixed with water, tea, or lemon juice. The greener the powder, the more effective the paste will be to dye the skin red.
Use of Henna During Moroccan Weddings and Festivals
Traditionally, henna in Morocco played an essential part of any major festival in Morocco and still does today. Henna is often used in the celebrations of the Id-al-Adha, circumcision, and during marriage festivities. There are also many significant cultural values associated with henna in Morocco.
Traditional Henna at a Moroccan Wedding
If you see a young girl with henna in Morocco applied on her hands and legs, this most likely means that she has married recently. These beautiful tattoos are part of the premarital ritual. One or two days before the wedding, each future bride reunites with female relatives and friends for the so called “mehndi night”. It’s a must that a skilled henna craftsman be present to the gathering.
The Berber marriage ceremony is the most emblematic ritual where Henna is used. It is during these celebrations that the bride’s hands and feet are uniquely designed. Henna in Morocco is thought to bring luck to the bride and protect her from harm.
Henna in Morocco is both work and a hobby for some Moroccan ladies. They are so skilled in what they do that they are often asked to weddings so that the bride gets her hands and feed tattooed. In many regions, the tradition requires the name of the groom to be inserted in the design.