the History of Henna
"The practice is so ancient, with mythological origins in so many cultures that where and when it actually began is difficult to determine." -Loretta Roome
The oldest known use of henna as a cosmetic dye are found on the fingernails of Egyptian mummies that are over 5,000 years old. It is believed that this is where the plant originated and it was later gifted to India.
Either way, each culture views henna adornment as a spiritual act that connects the artist and wearer to the Deities.
It is most known for its many uses in India, Morocco, and North Africa. Most of you will think of Indian marriages when hearing the word henna or mehndi.
Although men are known to decorate themselves or dye their beards with henna, it is primarily associated with women.
There are many aspects of henna that link it to the Divine Feminine. The most obvious is its red color AND that it lasts for about a week. Less obvious is that it's viewed as a symbol of transformation. Henna leaves are green, before and after they're dried. Then, once it is mixed for use, the dye is released and it becomes brown. This brown paste then leaves a vibrate reddish-brown.
Much like the henna plant, women are THE symbol of transformation. Many cultures (outside of a monotheistic, patriarchal influence) revere a woman's ability and strength to transform from a maiden, to a mother, to the wise old crown and associate this transformation with their deities.
This is why the most popular events where henna plays a roll involve, either, a woman's transformation into a bride, or as a belly-blessing for a mother-to-be.
The oldest known use of henna as a cosmetic dye are found on the fingernails of Egyptian mummies that are over 5,000 years old. It is believed that this is where the plant originated and it was later gifted to India.
Either way, each culture views henna adornment as a spiritual act that connects the artist and wearer to the Deities.
It is most known for its many uses in India, Morocco, and North Africa. Most of you will think of Indian marriages when hearing the word henna or mehndi.
Although men are known to decorate themselves or dye their beards with henna, it is primarily associated with women.
There are many aspects of henna that link it to the Divine Feminine. The most obvious is its red color AND that it lasts for about a week. Less obvious is that it's viewed as a symbol of transformation. Henna leaves are green, before and after they're dried. Then, once it is mixed for use, the dye is released and it becomes brown. This brown paste then leaves a vibrate reddish-brown.
Much like the henna plant, women are THE symbol of transformation. Many cultures (outside of a monotheistic, patriarchal influence) revere a woman's ability and strength to transform from a maiden, to a mother, to the wise old crown and associate this transformation with their deities.
This is why the most popular events where henna plays a roll involve, either, a woman's transformation into a bride, or as a belly-blessing for a mother-to-be.
Practical Functions of Henna
The entire henna plant is used for multiple purposes. But, here we will just discuss the dried, powdered leaves that are then used to create the paste that we are all familiar with.
Henna is known to condition the hair, skin, and nails. It is the original nail color and hair dye.
It also has medicinal properties. The paste acts as a cooling agent, an astringent, and antiseptic, therefore making it perfect for bruises, burns, fevers, and open wounds. It can even be used to treat athlete's foot.
Placed on the feet, henna lowers the body temperature. This makes it an excellent preventative for heat-induced fevers, headaches, and cloudiness of the mind and eyes. It is believed that decorating the feet with henna originated when ancient people, living in the hot North Africa and Middle East, would place it on the soles of their feet for protection from the climate.
Henna is known to condition the hair, skin, and nails. It is the original nail color and hair dye.
It also has medicinal properties. The paste acts as a cooling agent, an astringent, and antiseptic, therefore making it perfect for bruises, burns, fevers, and open wounds. It can even be used to treat athlete's foot.
Placed on the feet, henna lowers the body temperature. This makes it an excellent preventative for heat-induced fevers, headaches, and cloudiness of the mind and eyes. It is believed that decorating the feet with henna originated when ancient people, living in the hot North Africa and Middle East, would place it on the soles of their feet for protection from the climate.
Henna is Sacred
"Mehndi is a language. It is not just a beautiful art form. It asks the [wearer] to have a dialogue with the universe..." -Loretta Roome
In its long history, whether is was for cosmetics or medicinal, henna use has always been viewed as a sacred act. It is only in very recent history that it's been used in a strictly cosmetic sense.
At Space Coast Henna, we strive to maintain that spiritual connection and deep meaning into each of our designs, whether the client is aware of them or not.
There is a reason why everyone is happy when they are being hennaed.
Decorating the body is a celebration of the human form. By adorning the outer shell in such a spiritual manner, the henna acts as a connection between the outer and inner self in an effort to enhance them both.
In its long history, whether is was for cosmetics or medicinal, henna use has always been viewed as a sacred act. It is only in very recent history that it's been used in a strictly cosmetic sense.
At Space Coast Henna, we strive to maintain that spiritual connection and deep meaning into each of our designs, whether the client is aware of them or not.
There is a reason why everyone is happy when they are being hennaed.
Decorating the body is a celebration of the human form. By adorning the outer shell in such a spiritual manner, the henna acts as a connection between the outer and inner self in an effort to enhance them both.