Significance of henna in human life is not new and it has been used since ancient times for its medicinal qualities besides its identity as a cosmetic source to be decorated over body. We see it getting designed in the form of henna tattoo today, but its cultural roots can be widely seen in middle-eastern countries and its relevance as a tradition can be very much witnessed in marriages and festive occasions. This content that we see in powdered form today is basically extracted from henna leaves and its treatment is not just in the form of body painting but it is also used as one of the most organic forms of hair colour and for fragrance in some perfumes. Henna has a peculiarity to fade away after some days and for that reasons, is most preferable for tattooing especially for those individuals who don’t want to keep the same tattoo for long.
As an important part of ritual in weddings & other ceremonies in India, henna since ancient times, gets applied on the hands and feet of the groom, and in some customs on the bride’s too. No wonder, it essentially formed part of culture in Pakistan and other Islamic countries too. The concept of its usage in ceremonies emerged as part of its effect in warding off evil forces, but it became a reason to rejoice more than anything for its artistic reasons and beautification qualities. While its application on palms, hands and feet titivates them, it is also got pasted on palms, heels and toes to stay in cool summer season. Its use as hair dye gets valued more than the artificial colours in the market because one doesn’t have to worry about any side-effects due to chemicals.
The emergence of henna in west can be derived as an extension of its artistic qualities. Henna tattoo is an excellent example of this. However, a more elaborate form of henna can be found in western countries as it can be witnessed in many different and vibrant colours over and above its original organic colour. Tattoos being one of the trendiest forms of body art and prominent all over the globe, making of henna tattoos is bringing the fun element too, along with being a source of exhibiting art. Therefore, it would not be wrong if we say that tattoo artists have got to think more creatively since henna has been used as tattoos over body parts of men and women. Fusion is fine but it is best so long as used in its natural form, as other colours of henna may not get prepared without preservatives and this can very much call for undesired results over skin.
In spite of being part of tradition in east historically, popularity of henna has only increased over the years. Therefore, it getting surfaced as henna tattoo turned out to be a welcome trend and offered more reasons for both henna and tattoo lovers. The more organically it gets used all over, the more it will become a treasure to cherish for future.