HENNA BY JESSICA
jessicap_art@yahoo.com
(631)255-1622
The use of mehandi or henna became a significant part of Indian folk art
soon after the advent of the Muslims. The orange-red mehandi color was often painted on
new brides. The women were painted with intricate designs on order to distinguish them
from unmarried young virgins, who were in danger of being kidnapped by the Muslims. From
that time onward, it is said that mehandi flourished as decorative art in India. Hindus
consider mehandi as very dear to Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and fortune. If ever there was
a plant associated with luck and prosperity, it is henna bush. 
The Prophet Muhammed dyed his beard red using henna and his Caliphs
adopted this practice. Fatima, Muhammed’s daughter, adorned her hands
in mehndi. Khamsa, also the Arabic number 5, refers to the protective
image of Fatima’s hand with patterns on it, often worn as a talisman.
The use of henna and mehndi by the Prophet insured its place in history
and its popularity and acceptance among the Muslim people.
Henna rituals flourished in the bathhouses or hamam. The hamam was
a segregated, public bath that harem women would attend once a week.
This was one of three occasions women would leave the compound, the
other two being for purposes of worship and visiting her parents.
Visits to the hamam could last all day, this was a place where women
could socialize and speak freely. A welcome respite from the strict
lives of prescribed rules of behavior in the harem. Women would dye
their hair with henna, thread away body hair, apply mehndi and
perfumes.
Bathing and cleanliness are very important in Islam as they serve as
ablutions, ritual, religious cleansing. In the hamam, when the henna
paste was removed it was viewed as an ablution, believed to purify and
rid the person of evil. Hamam was also an opportunity for women to
compete with their beauty among each other and adorn themselves to gain
the attention of their husbands.