Henna Program

Written By: Oliva

Henna Program by RA Nidhi R

On Friday, February 17th, at 5 p.m. in Skeath Lounge, Nidhi Sobrun held her RA event on Henna designs and stencils. People could come and hang out with others as they either did their own Hennas or got it done by someone else. They also learned more about henna and its importance in some cultures.

For over 5,000 years, henna has been practiced in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Africa, and the Middle East. It was initially used for its natural cooling properties in those hot desert climates by soaking their hands and soles of their feet in the paste. It was also used for medicinal purposes to treat stomach aches, burns, headaches, and open wounds by putting it on the skin. Once people found out the paste would leave a stain on the skin, henna was used more decoratively and accessible to everyone. This could mean using it to have a design on the skin and dying someone’s hair, nails, and fabrics.

The art of henna is now primarily used in celebrations for special occasions like weddings and birthdays. The paste symbolizes good health and prosperity in marriage. In Mauritian culture, it means a new beginning in the bride’s life, and there is a ritual where the groom has to find his name in the bride’s henna.

I was glad to be at this event and learn more about an important part of RA Nidhi’s culture.