Henna art has long been a tradition in the Mediterranean and a growing popularity among other countries. It is widely used as a body art during weddings and other occasions and festivities like Eid, Diwali and Passover. My hand with Henna Art (Floral) waiting to dry.
Henna is a flowering plant use to dye skin, hair, fingernails, leather and wool. The henna plant is native to regions of Africa, South Asia, and Northern Australasia however it is widely and commercially cultivated in countries like the UAE, Yemen, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, India, Iran, Pakistan,Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Somalia and Sudan. These countries are wide users of processed henna used to adorn young women's body as part of social and holiday celebrations.
Speaking of celebrations, depending on the sighting of the moon, tomorrow or the day after (8th or 9th September) will be Eid Al Fitr or the end of Ramadan (a month long fasting of our Muslim brothers). "Eid" is an Arabic word meaning festivity and "Fitr" means to purify and so the holiday symbolizes the purification after completing the fasting month. During this celebration, Muslims wake up early in the morning for prayers, customarily they eat a light breakfast as a sign that they do not fast on that day, they also wear their best clothing, women apply henna art and children receive gifts from elders.
Eid Al Fitr for expats in UAE means HOLIDAY! It coincides with the weekend but still we are getting one day off from work. If Eid falls on Thursday we don't come to work on that day but if Eid falls on Friday then we don't come to work on Sunday! Either way is good! I still don't have any plans but sure to have something before the holiday starts.
This is my hand with henna art after drying. hmm looks pretty! Thanks to Sarah for this cute design.
That's so intricate and nice! The only time I had a tattoo was when we had the desert safari. But it was a smaller design.
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