“Henna” or “henne”. It happens during the ceremonies being held especially before the marriage which one tints with “henne” the hands, the feet and the hair of the women. The woman who decorates with “henne” is called the “hennana”.

“Henne” is a small shrub which grown especially in Persian and in countries of the Middle-East.

“Henne” leaves and roots are dried then reduced to powders which we mix with water to obtain a reddish yellow dyeing. This one could be used as food colorant but its most frequent use remains hair coloring which makes it stronger. Some are put on the nails and the teeth.

The Eastern communities are accustomed to color with “Henne” the palm of the hands (and some of the feet) of being engaged during one evening which is generally lasts seven days before the marriage.

“Henne”, was originally a habit which took place especially in Yemen. The Yemenis colored the married bride body with “Henne” powder.
The Egyptians were also accustomed to dyeing their mummies with “henne”

Among Moslem women, the making of “henne” intervenes after the reading of the “Fatiha”. This rite exclusively brings together the women, members of the family or guests and consists of the application of “henne” in the palm of the hand of the bride in order to carry happiness to the groom in their future life.

The other present women also make “henne” because such occasion is regarded as beneficial not only for the grooms but also for all the guests since “henne” brings luck “baraka”.

Generally the festival comes after the civil wedding. It is not a religious ceremony, but a way of delighting the future bride, of making up it and of offering her gifts. The bride in general reserves the traditional dresses for the reading of the “Fatiha” and poses with “henne” but wears a white dress at the time of the civil ceremony.

Mohamed Rebai
info@kairouan.org