Henna has been used for thousands of years as a natural dye made from the leaves of the henna plant, originally grown in regions of North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, used henna to decorate their bodies, hair, and even mummified remains. Over time, it became an important part of cultural traditions, especially in celebrations like weddings and festivals, where intricate designs are applied to the hands and feet. Today, henna is still widely used around the world as a form of temporary body art and cultural expression. Many students in WMS practice and or get their henna done for a variety of different reasons. It’s often tied to culture and expression.

Cultural Traditions:

Henna has been a part of cultural traditions for thousands of years, especially in places like South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. It is often used during weddings, holidays, festivals, and other important celebrations. Many people see henna as more than just body art because it can represent blessings, happiness, protection, and good luck. Different designs may have different meanings depending on the culture or family traditions. Henna is also commonly passed down through generations, with family members teaching younger relatives how to apply it and continue the tradition.

A fellow 8th grader, Minal Khan, shared her personal experience with henna and how it connects to her culture. Minal explained that her mom taught her how to do henna, showing how the tradition stays alive within families. She said Henna in her family means “a traditional art that brings blessing especially during holidays.”

Minal also shared that some people believe certain henna designs can bring good luck or have spiritual meaning, while others simply see it as art and self expression. “It’s all about their beliefs,” she explained. She also mentioned that people are usually surprised when they find out she does henna because they do not expect it.

Fashion and Style: 

While henna is deeply connected to culture and tradition, many people also enjoy it as a form of fashion and self expression. Some students are inspired to try henna because they admire the creativity and beauty of the designs. Another 8th Grader, Gabriella Llorens shared that she became interested in henna after seeing Minal’s work “What inspired me was Minal because I saw how beautiful the henna was and I thought I had to try it,” she explained.

As a beginner, Gabriella said one challenge is that not many people know she does henna, so not many ask to get designs done. She also mentioned that some patterns can be difficult and that beginners have to slowly improve their skills over time. Gabriella especially enjoys creating flower designs and finger ring patterns because she thinks they are pretty. She also shared that people are often surprised when they find out she does henna since she is not from the culture traditionally associated with it.

First time experiences:

Many students first become interested in henna because of how unique and detailed the designs look. For some, it starts through family traditions, while others discover it through friends, events, or social media. Henna can be a fun experience that allows people to express themselves while trying something creative and temporary.

Lyric Lugo, an 8th Grader at WMS, shared that she first became interested in henna while visiting Atlantic City for a concert. She saw a henna stand and thought the designs looked really pretty, which made her want to try it herself. She explained that she usually gets henna done just for fun, although she sometimes gets it for special events too. Lyric also said she “keeps her henna on for about one to two weeks and gets it done pretty often.” What she likes most about henna is that it feels similar to a temporary tattoo but lasts longer. Since she is not old enough for a real tattoo, henna gives her a way to enjoy body art without it being permanent.

Minal’s first experiences with henna were connected to her family and culture because her mom taught her how to do it. Over time, henna became something meaningful to her family, especially during holidays and celebrations.

Gabriella’s first experiences were different because she became inspired after seeing Minal’s designs and wanted to learn herself. Even as a beginner, Gabriella enjoys experimenting with different patterns and improving her skills.

The first time I got henna done, I thought the designs looked really detailed and pretty. I liked watching the artist create the patterns because it takes a lot of patience and creativity. After it dried and darkened, I liked how it looked like a temporary tattoo but still felt unique and different. It was a fun experience and made me interested in learning more about henna and its cultural background.

The difference between the experienced and beginners: 

Minal Khan and Gabriella Llorens have different experiences with henna because one is more experienced while the other is still learning. Minal was taught by her mom, so henna has been a part of her life for a longer time and has cultural meaning in her family. She understands the traditions behind henna and explained that it is a traditional art that brings blessings, especially during holidays.Because of her experience, she has become confident in her skills and has even inspired others to become interested in henna.

Gabriella, on the other hand, is a beginner who became interested in henna after seeing Minal’s designs. She is still working on improving her skills and learning more difficult patterns. Gabriella said that not many people know she does henna, which makes it harder to get practice. Even though she is new to henna, she enjoys creating flower and finger-ring designs. Their experiences show how henna can be meaningful to both experienced artists and beginners, whether they are connected to the tradition through culture or simply through an interest in the art.