Henna
Factual: Henna is a paste made from the leaves of the
henna plant. It has been used throughout the Middle East for
centuries to adorn a woman's body (mainly the hands and the feet)
with decorations similar to tattoos. These markings are not
permanent, usually lasting only a few days. Henna is a small
shrub called Lawsonia inermis, which is also known by
many other names such as Henne, Al Khanna, Mehndi, and Egyptian
Privet. It grows in hot climates and is mostly found in Asia
Minor, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Northern Africa. The
leaves, flowers and the twigs of the plant are ground into fine
powder which is then mixed with hot water. Various shades are
procured by adding the leaves of other plants, such as indigo,
tea, coffee, cloves and lemon. Sugar and oil are also added to
the mixture to strengthen the design's color and longevity.
There is evidence of the use of henna artistry in many ancient
drawings, and designs thought to be henna markings have even
been discovered on the hands of Egyptian mummies.
Fictional: In most Cheopian cultures, both males and females
use Henna designs on the face, hands, arms and other areas for
decoration. Some henna artists know how to imbue their work
with magical power.
Links:
All about Henna,
Bedouin Patterns
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