Wedding traditions with henna

Henna is a plant dye that stains skin a reddish brown for days or weeks. It is applied to brides, sometimes grooms and guests, in a long evening of song and gossip. It stands for joy, luck, beauty and protection, and the stain itself is something to be proud of.

A tradition across regions

In Morocco the lilat el henna gathers the bride's women, with a henna maker, the neggafa, and special songs. In India and Pakistan the mehndi may be an event of its own, with elaborate designs on the hands and feet and the groom's initials hidden in the pattern. Among Yemeni and Moroccan Jews, the henna ceremony is a major event. In Turkey the kina gecesi has a song for the bride and a coin pressed in her palm. Palestinian, Gulf, Sudanese and Somali brides have their own patterns.

Folk beliefs and practice

Many believe a dark stain means a loving marriage. The bride is often excused from housework until it fades, a kind of rest before she begins her new life. Henna is a plant product and safe, though so-called black henna contains a chemical dye that can cause burns and should be avoided. Many couples now include guests in henna parties.