Henna

Henna or Al-Henna is a North African plant (its scientific name is Lawsonia inermis). It has a has a big influence on Moroccan life, people use it for cosmetic purposes, healthy aims or in order to exorcist the bad spirits.

 

Some people think of Henna only as an embellishment or a substitutional to a perpetual tattoo, but here in Morocco, the real function of Henna overrides that of cosmetics and fairness. According to the Berber's belief in spirits and supernatural, a woman body with Henna is a body protected against the evil eye and all kinds of sickness and bad luck. Others go beyond that, and see Henna as a perfect protection for the entire family, that's why it's almost uncommon to see a woman without Henna in Souse region.

The preferable opportunity where Henna is totally present is the "Henna ritual" (a night before the wedding ceremony). The bride (In some region, the groom too) and her unmarried friends group together to celebrate the upcoming wedding and share some moments before the big day (It's kind of close to the western traditions of the Bachelor Party). The Negaffat (plural of Neggafa, Henna tatto makers) decorate the bride (and the unmarried girls) hands and feet with special Henna tattoos related to marriage. It's a way to cherish the marital relation.

 

Henna in Morocco can be found everywhere, you can also buy some tattoos designs with some stories behind them. They are very cheap and available in souks and stores. Djemma el Fna Square in Marrakech is a place where you can find professional tattoo makers with thousands of authentic designs. The colour and the thickness of the design will vary according to your skin, and will be less eminent if your skin is a little dark.

Designs can vary from a region to another, let's see some pictures from different areas.