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3000 BCE
Ancient Egypt
Henna used to stain the hair and nails of mummies.
Believed to preserve spirituality and strengthen the body against decay.
Documented in the Ebers Papyrus (an ancient Egyptian medical text). -
1300 BCE
Ugarit & Mesopotamia
(1300–1100 BCE)
Henna appears in mythology and ritual use (e.g., goddess Anath).
Used in ceremonies for protection, healing, and symbolic victory.
Evidence of henna on artifacts and murals from the Bronze Age. -
700
Islamic Golden Age
(700–900 CE)
Henna mentioned in the Hadiths as hair dye, body art, and medicine.
Spread throughout the Islamic world, adopted in weddings and religious rituals.
Became part of Eid, Hajj, and other spiritual traditions. -
1526
Mughal Empire in India
(1526–1857 CE)
Henna art flourished and became highly detailed.
Mehndi became essential in weddings, with symbolic designs of love and prosperity.
Women often had the groom’s name hidden in their bridal henna. -
Moroccan & Jewish Traditions
(1800s–1900s)
Henna used in Moroccan and Sephardic Jewish wedding rituals.
“Night of the Henna” became a family celebration for blessings and protection.
Designs included flowers, geometric shapes, and protective symbols. -
Globalization & Western Influence
(1990s–2000s)
Henna became trendy in the West as a form of body art.
Introduction of white henna, glitter, and stencils.
Issues of cultural appropriation emerged as non-South Asians used henna without understanding its meaning. -
Digital Age
(2010s–Present)
Social media spreads henna art worldwide.
Modern styles include minimalist, metallic, and hybrid designs.
Used for festivals, fashion, and personal expression across cultures.