The history of henna tattoo design spans many decades and cultures. The alternative to permanent body art has made a come back in popularity.
From tiny roses on shoulders to full body motifs, tattos have made their way into the American mainstream as a modern genre of artistic expression. The lure of treating the body as a canvas has taken its hostages, but some refuse to let the art form's virtues cast a shadow of doubt on its evils.
For those who find etching into the skin with a needle equivalent to Medieval torture, or for those who are too commitment -shy to consent to a lifelong branding, an ancient practice can provide the same artistic fulfillment without the pain or permanence.
Henna tattooing, recently made popular by Madonna, Demi Moore and other performers, has become all the rage in America and Great Britain. With a mixture of simple paste and a little creativity, it is possible to imprint the surface of your skin with a masterpiece that fades away gradually in up to six weeks. "Henna tattoos look nice and you don't have to be stuck with it the rest of your life," said Eve Day, an artist who applies Henna tattoos professionally.
Henna, otherwise known as mendhi, is a tall, shrub-like plant that grows in hot, dry climates. It is grown mostly in Sudan, Egypt, India, most North African countries and Middle Eastern countries. The leaves of the plant are ground into a powder and made into a paste, which, when applied to the skin, leaves an orange stain. After about 24 hours, the orange dye darkens to reddish-brown and then begins to fade as the skin renews itself. "People have been painting each other for thousands of years," Day said. "Henna tattooing is just being reborn in America."
Before the recorded introduction of henna; Hindu, Buddhist, and other Indian women used dyes from the fruits of Laksa tress to stain the palms of their hands and soles of their feet. According to Guatama Vajracharya, professor of art history at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, women wore these tattoos decoratively every day. "Widows, as a sign of mourning, did not wear them," Vajracharya said.
According to Vajracharya, Henna was introduced by Muslims and quickly replaced Laksa. The henna plant, said Vajracharya, was easier to find and grow. During the 16th century, henna's popularity expanded through Pakistan and North India by the Moguls. Females used henna to decorate their bodies for ceremonies, especially weddings.
In Middle Eastern cultures, henna tattooing is still a whole day affair during which the new bride gets to know the groom's mother and sisters. It is a celebratory, rather than a spiritual, ritual, equivalent to the pre-wedding makeover and manicure of Western brides.
Henna tattoos traditionally fell into four distinctive styles, according to Aileen Marron, author of "The Henna Body Art Book." The Middle Eastern style consisted mostly of floral patterns inspired by Arabic carvings, paintings and textiles. This casual style did not usually follow a specific pattern. The North American style accentuated the shape of the feet and hands using geometric floral patterns.
The Indian and Pakistani designs extend beyond the hands and feet to create the illusion of gloves and stockings. These were made up of intricate, repetitive paisley patterns, lines, and teardrops. Finally, the Indonesian or Southeast Asian styles were a mix of Indian and Middle Eastern designs with blocks of color on the tips of fingers and toes.
All four traditional styles remain popular today, but have expanded under the influence of many different cultures. Celtic designs are the most popular, according to Day. Celtic designs typically take the form of bands and knots.
Day began applying henna tattoos professionally in 1996 after it started to become popular on the East and West coasts. "I did it on myself and I really enjoyed it," she said. "As an artist, I found it to be a nice new outlet."
Days love of detailed work and encouragement from her Hindu friends led her to incorporate henna tattooing into her work. "They thought it was wonderful that I was interested in other cultures - it's a good way to mix things together in a new culture," Day said. "I've always had a positive approach to it."
Henna's popularity, according to Day, can be attributed to the fact that it is temporary and painless. "You have the option of getting one and then deciding whether you like it," she said. "If you don't like it, you can keep changing it." The summer months bring the most business because people like to be able to show off their body décor. In the winter, Hindu women still get henna tattoos for celebrations, such as weddings, birthdays and the arrival of a new baby.
While the explosion of Eastern styles in the Western culture has brought some discomfort about its commercialization, Day has found nothing but encouragement.
"It's a nice way to get to know other cultures," she said. "It can enrich the American culture."
Application of a henna tattoo can take anywhere from a half-hour to several hours. The amount of time depends on the location - hands and feet take the longest - and the amount of detail. How long the designs last on the skin depends how people take care of them. To prolong a design, Day suggests keeping the area moisturized. "Avoid chlorine at all costs." The skin should not be scrubbed, exfoliated or rubbed unless you want to hurry the fading process. It is also advises that you avoid harsh soaps and saunas.
Day encourages people to experiment with henna. "It is a wonderful art that should be kept alive!"
