Henna has been around for thousands of years, dating back to Cleopatra who used it to accessorize and is prevalent throughout South-Asia, The Middle-East, Iran, Turkey, and Northern Africa. Henna symbolizes optimism, prosperity, and good luck – so it is no wonder many cultures use this mixture of crushed plant leaves and acidic liquid, such as lemon juice, to create intricate designs on their hands and feet during special occasions.
Growing up, my mother and her friends would use henna to dye each other’s hair “the natural way,” so I never considered henna the trendiest of traditions. Although pre-wedding day henna parties have been celebrated for hundreds of years, it wasn’t until recently when the modern bride began partaking in and revolutionizing this old tradition.
My first henna experience was at my cousin’s henna party in Abu Dhabi, and let me tell you, that was the wildest time I’ve ever had at a party! Traditionally, the henna party is organized by the bride’s family and closest friends and takes place the night before the wedding. It is a night full of henna, delicious food, your favorite music, and dancing all night with your BFFs. The henna party is a women’s only event, so as soon as everybody is in, the head scarves come flying off, and the belly dancing and henna painting begins! A tray decorated with florals and candles holding the henna mixture is carried by the bride-to-be and her relatives while traditional song and dance is performed.
I’ve come a long way since my first henna party experience, and have these tips to share with those looking to liven up their vintage-Arabia inspired henna party:
DO Set up Henna Tattoo Mini Bar/Stations: When booking a henna artist, make sure and ask what other tattoo options are available. White henna tattoos and flash tattoos are all the rage in the henna community. Set up a mini henna tattoo bar or station where your guests can choose between the traditional dark henna tattoos or the trendier white henna or flash (gold or silver) tattoos.
DO Provide Ideas: Screenshot a few henna patterns by searching #HennaPatterns, #WhiteHennaTattoo, and #FlashTattoos on Instagram and show the henna artist painting your hands or feet.
DO Hashtags: Create a unique social media hashtag (i.e. #AmirasHennaPartyShinDig) you and your guests can use when sharing photos of your henna party via social media sites, this will help you quickly find photos from your special night.
DO It All In Style: Invest in a custom designed Jalabiya, Caftan or Sari to showcase your personal style with Traditional Attire from your Culture. Manish Malhotra and Manish Aurora are a couple of our favorites and Stephanie Jaye creates beautiful jalabiyas for every occasion.
DO It Your Way: Have a say in the way your henna tray is decorated. Opt for seasonal florals and scented candles. Having a spring henna party? Choose blush, cream or white peonies for your henna tray to keep things in season.
The customs and traditions of the henna party vary from region to region, but the beauty of this lavish event is shared across borders. Whether you are a Moroccan bride planning your extravagant “hennaya”, a Turkish bride wearing your red henna veil, or a Persian bride eager for your hana-bandan, know there is no reason why your bridal send-off shouldn’t combine the perfect mix of trendy with traditional.
CREDITS
Article written by Mia Khalil