Henna-dye on woman's hand
Sitting on a bus, Pakistan
The art of painting hands and feet with henna dye is widespread in the mid-east and south Asia. Henna patterns, which fade slowly, are a temporary tattoo; many of the patterns are similar to idigenous tattoos. It is primarily a women's art. Because women are more secluded in Pakistan and Iran, the chances of seeing it are infrequent. I was able to view this woman's hands while sitting across from her in a third-class carriage on a train. I love her matching rings.
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Vikki writes:
I got henna tattoos on vacation in Morocco. I was with my mom, and we had just buried my dad. Morocco was my choice, she liked Madrid better.
It's hard to explain, but being there and having the experience -- the women doing the tattoos explained to me the home-science of making the tattoos color well and lasting longer (lemon and garlic) -- made me feel a little more connected to something, a little less alone in the world.
I was borrowing from someone else's culture and tradition, but in the better sense, I hope.
Grace writes:
Henna or (Mehndi) tattooing was discovered almost 5000 years ago in the Middle East. Although it is used as a modern form of body art, it is still regarded as a sacred ritual in many cultures, religion and tribes.
Henna is usually applied on a woman's hand and feet to mark an important event in her life, most commonly as part of the wedding ceremony. It is a custom practiced predominantly in Muslim and Hindu culture.