Traditions of henna as body art

When there was joy, there was henna.

Henna has been used to adorn young women's bodies as part of social and holiday celebrations since the late Bronze Age in the eastern Mediterranean.

This early connection between young, fertile women and henna seems to be the origin of the Night of the Henna, which is now celebrated worldwide.  The Night of the Henna was celebrated by most groups in the areas where henna grew naturally.

Jews, Muslims,Sikhs, Hindus, Christians and Zoroastrians, among others, all celebrated marriages by adorning the bride and often the groom with henna.  

Battle victories, births, circumcision, birthdays, as well as weddings, usually included some henna as part of the celebration.

Henna was regarded as having blessings, and was applied for luck as well as joy and beauty. Brides typically had the most henna, and the most complex patterns, to support their greatest joy, and wishes for luck.

My recent bride had the traditional Henna on her hands for her wedding celebration.