At a Moroccan henna ceremony before a wedding, henna paste is traditionally applied to the bride’s hands.
Henna is made from the powdered leaves of Lawsonia inermis, a flowering plant also called the henna tree. Mixed into a paste, it stains skin orange, reddish-brown, or dark brown depending on the mixture, application time, and the wearer’s skin.
Moroccan pre-wedding henna celebrations can include music, food, family gatherings, and elaborate designs. The event is commonly associated with blessings, protection, fertility, and good fortune, although details differ between communities.
Henna is not a permanent tattoo. The stain gradually fades as the outer layers of skin shed. “Black henna” products may contain para-phenylenediamine, which can cause serious skin reactions and are not the same as traditional natural henna.