Thread by @BaytAlFann

The tradition of applying henna for Eid celebrations dates back centuries & is deeply rooted in Muslim culture. The art of henna has been practiced in South Asia, Africa & the Middle East for over 5000 years & it originally comes from Egypt #EidMubarak

A thread on henna & Eid…

1/ The English name henna comes from the Arabic term الحناء (al-ḥinnā). The name henna also refers to the dye prepared from the henna plant & the art of temporary tattooing from those dyes. Henna has been used for centuries to dye skin, hair, fingernails & fabrics

#EidMubarak

2/ The tradition of applying henna during Eid celebrations dates back centuries and is rooted in Islamic culture. Prophet Muhammad is believed to have used mehndi to dye his hair & beard, & it is said that he encouraged the use of mehndi for special occasions

#EidMubarak

3/ The botanical name of the henna plant is Lawsonia inermis. A member of the Loosestrife family, henna originally comes from Egypt

#EidMubarak

4/ Modern scientists discovered that henna is antibacterial, antifungal, & anti-hemorrhagic & it has historically been used for medicinal purposes. Although the use of henna has evolved since its discovery in North Africa its most popular use is still beautification

#EidMubarak

5/ Today Henna is mainly used in celebration of special occasions including Eid. Among all the traditions surrounding the Islamic holiday, the practice of decorating the hands with henna is the most looked out for

#EidMubarak

6/ Dry henna powder is mixed with one of a number of liquids, including water, lemon juice, strong tea & other ingredients, depending on the tradition. Many artists use sugar or molasses in the paste to improve consistency to keep it stuck to the skin better

#EidMubarak

7/ The designs used in henna vary greatly depending on the region and culture. In Muslim cultures, the designs are often intricate & symbolic, with patterns that include geometric shapes, floral motifs, and Arabic calligraphy

#EidMubarak

8/ Many henna designs also include symbols and images that are important to Islamic cultures, such as the crescent moon and star, which are often associated with Eid celebrations.

#EidMubarak

9/ The process of applying henna is often a communal one, with women gathering together to apply henna to each other's hands and feet. This creates a sense of sisterhood and community, which is an important part of Eid celebrations

#EidMubarak

10/ The henna paste can be applied with many traditional & innovative tools, starting with a basic stick or twig. In Morocco a syringe is common. A cone similar to those used to pipe icing onto cakes is used in South Asia. Some artists use a Jacquard bottle too

#EidMubarak

11/ In addition to its cultural & social significance henna also has spiritual significance for Muslims. In Islamic tradition, it is believed that Prophet Muhammad used henna to purify himself before prayer & it was used as a form of protection against evil spirits

#EidMubarak

12/ Henna, or mehndi, as it is called in Hindi and Urdu is believed to bring good luck and contain barakat, an unseen flow of positive energy that will bring blessings and protect against evil spirits

#EidMubarak

13/ Some scholars claim that the practice of decorating the body with henna was brought to Pre-Partition India by the Mughals in the twelfth century, centuries after it had been in use in the Middle East and North Africa.

#EidMubarak

14/ In Sudan, Henna dyes are regarded with a special sanctity and for that reason they are always present during happy occasions, especially Eid. Henna has been part of Sudan's social and cultural heritage ever since the days of Sudan's ancient civilizations

#EidMubarak

15/ The henna art of Mauritania, in Northwest Africa, is some of the most intricate and unique in the world. Geometric patterns are transferred using resist techniques with surgical tape, a ⁠practice primarily found in North and West Africa 🇲🇷
⁠
📹️: aichakind

#EidMubarak

16/ In Afghanistan, henna is also known as "kheena". Afghan tradition holds that henna brings good luck and happiness. It is used by both men and women on many festive occasions including Eidul fitr, Eidul Adha and Shabe-e Barat

#EidMubarak

17/ Chaand Raat (lit. 'Night of the moon') is a South Asian celebration on the eve of the festival of Eid ul-Fitr; it can also mean a night with a new moon for the new Islamic month Shawwal. During Chaand Raat gatherings traditionally women apply henna

#EidMubarak

18/ In Somalia, henna has been used for centuries, it is cultivated from the leaves of the Ellan tree, which grows wild in the mountainous regions of Somalia. It is used for practical purposes such as dying hair and also more extravagantly by coloring the fingers and toes

19/ In Egypt, henna has been present for 9000 years with the Pharaohs in Egypt. Cleopatra, the last reigning queen of the ancient Egyptian civilisation is said to have used henna to beautify herself. It is now a tradition before celebrations like Eid

#EidMubarak

20/ Henna also known as “lalle” or “kunshi” in the northern part of Nigeria has been a part of the culture for at least a thousand years, according to Nigerien archaeologist Djibo Hamani. He says henna is still found growing in archeological ruins in these parts of the world

21/ In Morocco, henna is applied symbolically when individuals go through life cycle events. Moroccans refer to the paste as henna and the designs as naqsh, which means painting or inscription.

22/ Today, contemporary artists are using henna as a medium to create works of art.

"Art is no crime. It's every artist's responsibility to make art that is meaningful."

Shirin Neshat - an Iranian visual artist based in New York, known for her work in film, video & photography

23/ Contemporary Henna Artist Azra Khamissa is out to prove that henna isn’t just for weddings & Eid. Her bold, minimalist designs are moving the art beyond celebrations into everyday life. A Canadian-South African with Indian roots, living in Dubai, she is redefining the artform

24/ Henna is not just limited to Eid celebrations, as it is also used for weddings and other special occasions. However, its use during Eid is particularly important as it symbolizes the end of Ramadan and the beginning of a new chapter in the Muslim calendar.

#EidMubarak

Discover the history and heritage of the art of henna in Muslim cultures, over the past 5000 years:

baytalfann.com/post/the-art-o…