HENNA

While I was in Yemen I had henna applied twice, once in Seiyun (Wadi Hadhramaut) and once in Sana'a.� Both times the design was floral in nature.� The first time was applied with a henna cone and lots of lime juice.� When one extremity was being worked on, the others were being dried over a small fire.� I felt as though I were a cake being frosted...a lot of fun!� The second time was a bit less complicated; the only tool used was a toothpick for application of the design.

Here are photo links to the results:������ SEIYUN SANA'A

A BIT MORE ABOUT HENNA...

The use of henna as decoration has been practiced for thousands of years in the Middle East, Aftrica, and India.� Henna is derived from the leaves of the small tree, Lawsonia inermis (Lythraceae--Loosestrife family).� The henna plant is thought to have originated from Egypt.� Leaves are picked, dried, crushed and then made into a sticky paste for application.� The final color of the henna after it has dried and been washed off is usually an orangish brown, but the shade and strength of the die depends on the color of skin as well as the quality of the leaves.

The application of henna is thought to engender good fortune, happiness, and protection (Fabius 1998).� Accordingly, it is applied during times of potentially difficult transitional events, such as birthing, maturity, and marriage (Pasekoff Weinberg 1999).� The wearing of henna designs is used as a lucky charm that wards off the evil eye and guards against black magic and other dangerous supernatural forces.� However, the leaves are not the only part of this tree that has useful properties.� The bark and flowers have been used in traditional North African and Indian medicinal practices (Pasekoff Weinberg 1999).� Known properties of henna include antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmodic/relaxing, and cooling.� The paste also makes a good topical suncreen and sunburn soother.

Here are a few interesting links with pages dedicated to the art of henna:
spellstone.com
mehendi
the art of mehendi