Major live events and holidays were punctuated in Morrocan villages by feasts, festivities and Henna. At first glance, it appears to be an array of random design and lines. Far from that assumption, Henna is anything but random. Different styles are applied for different occasions and each design is unique. For more information on the representations behind paticular design, read this. For example, flowers represent fertility. Henna is applied in the form of a paste from the plant, Henna. Although Henna is most commonly known in connection with brides and weddings, the most elaborate celebrations including Henna were Id al-Adha, male circumcision, and “Night of the Henna”. The purpose of Henna is found in understanding the application of it for these three disimiliar events.
Id al-Adha is an Islamic holiday celebrating Abraham’s obedience in sacrificing his son Ishmael on behalf of God. In commemoration of this, the head of every household would sacrifice one of their male domestic animals, such as a goat or ram. The animal, sacrificer and participants of said event were adorned in Henna.
Circumcision is a requirement is Islam. This surgery was performed on boys aged four to fourteen in 19th century Morrocan villages. Again, the son, family and all participating guests were adorned in Henna for the celebration.
"Night of the Henna" is an elaborate celebration for a bride before marital defloration. It is the most celebrated and familiar activity associated with Henna in the modern sense. Although the use of Henna has declined since the independence of Morroco in the 1950's, it is still a part of rural Morrocan culture.
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