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| Becky's Hennaed Hands, Al Ain, UAE © Doug Hickok All Rights Reserved The tradition of decorating hands, arms and feet with ornate tattoos made from the reddish ink of the henna plant dates back thousands of years to the Bronze Age. This custom of applying body art is still practiced today. It is especially important for Emirati women in their preparation for the biggest of celebrations... a wedding. Becky and Debi had a henna night of their own during our visit to Al Ain. Beautiful flora patterns were selected from samples hanging on the wall. Then a layer of henna paste was applied. When the paste dried, it crumbled away leaving a temporary tattoo which lasts several weeks before coming off completely. In this image Becky is wearing a brightly colored kandora, a gift from our hosts. |
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Henna
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wow so delicate and beautiful henna painting.Thanks for the explanation about this culture, so different, but really interesting!
ReplyDeleteI think it's beautiful but I'm not sure if I would do this henna painting in my hands, even if it's not permanent, I won't be comfortable with this idea. But that kandora...wow I'm envious here!I would like to wear one like that!Wonderful colors and so chic! :)
Hugs
Léia
Can I have the origin of this word, henna, please? ;o)
ReplyDeleteHenna is quite popular among Indians in Malaysia.
I thought it was an Indian word...
Just checked its etymology, ha ha... It's Arabic!
Been enjoying your Arabic Word of the Day.
Your superb travel photographs provide a fascinating glimpse into a, for me, unknown world. Love the amazing burst of colors in this one!
ReplyDeleteWow, Doug... Your photos from UAE are just fantastic! I can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteexquisite, from the tips of her fingers to the sleeves of her robe.
ReplyDeleteThis is art!
ReplyDeleteBoth the decoration and also the photo! Vibrant colors and a very smart background.
A fine example of this historic practice. I like the rich, vivid colors.
ReplyDeleteHad a henna tattoo once, mine was a lot less impressive :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous...colourful and vivacious photography...
ReplyDeleteI always thought of the word "cacophony" as a negative descriptor but this cacophony of colours is quite beautiful. Very nicely executed.
ReplyDeletei love this. it is a great tradition
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tradition. Lovely! I tried to do such tattoos once with my friends (but our results were not as perfect...)
ReplyDeletebeautiful shot
ReplyDeletethe beautifully drawn tattoo blends in wonderfully with the gorgeous pattern of the brightly coloured dress ....
ReplyDeletei bet becky won't wash her hands with the same vehemence now as before ... ;-)
Truly beautiful. One of the great ways to embrace the culture...
ReplyDeleteWow.
ReplyDeleteAn explosion of color and shapes.
Fantastic photo.
Wow, that's stunningly beautiful!
ReplyDeleteit sure goes well with her brightly colored dress, well done!
ReplyDeleteSo colorful!! 5* to my eyes!! Wonderful! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day.