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Period: 3500 BCE to
A Cultural Timeline of Henna Art
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1600 BCE
The Ugaritic Legend of Baal and Anith
The Ugaritic Legend of Baal and Anith was a legend that brought about the idea that henna art could be correlated to marriage. -
1500 BCE
The Origin Of Henna Art
Although the exact origin of Henna, or commonly known as mendhi, is unknown, it is a form of cultural expression that was commonly used amongst Ancient Egypt. Henna was used to dye the hair and fingernails of Pharoah's during the mummification process, and before burials. -
25 BCE
The Roman Empire
Henna began to be used during the Roman empire so that women could naturally enhance their beauty, similar to how many women use makeup nowadays. -
400
Indian Culture
The henna plant was commonly used in the deserts of India during this time, as it was found to provide cooling properties which would be applied to the hands and feet in the scorching heat. -
600
Middle Eastern Culture
Many men began dyeing their beards with henna during this time period, as it was a common known tradition amongst the Prophet Muhammed, a leader of Islam. -
Henna in England
women used henna in England to dye their hair red, as it had become a popular fashion ideal, and trend to have red hair. This trend was adopted through the use of many red-haired models featured by artists in their work, therefore causing the women of England to desire red hair as well. -
Mainstream Media
Actress Lucille Ball, known as her character Lucy Ricardo on the popular show “I love Lucy” brought attention to the use of henna as hair dye, which therefore caused the popularity of the use of henna throughout the ’60s. -
Western Society
Henna is seen used amongst celebrities, such as Madonna, who is seen adorned in Henna art, which therefore causes a spark in the trend. -
The Current use of Henna
Although this form of cultural expression has undergone many changes throughout time, henna is most commonly used amongst brides before their wedding day. In addition, henna has been seen more commonly amongst Western society, featured on many celebrities as a form of temporary tattooing, or as a way of naturally dyeing hair. This ongoing tradition continues to be used as a form of expression amongst many cultures.
