Henna, sometimes also called mehndi, is a prominent part of many cultures throughout Regions of Africa and Asia. It is commonly applied for special occasions, such as religious celebrations and in preparation for weddings. It is not uncommon to see people having henna applied for graduation ceremonies and school dances as well.
In the article "The Bride's Henna Ritual: Symbols, Meanings, and Changes," Rachel Sharaby describes how the henna ritual takes place in Yemeni weddings. Sharaby states that there are a series of rituals that occur throughout the "wedding week." Typically, the bride's henna ritual would take place on Monday, and the groom's would take place on Tuesday, with the wedding ceremony taking place Wednesday evening. According to Sharaby, it is believed that henna contributes to beauty and health, but also serves as protection from evil eye and illnesses. The transition of the henna from a green powder to red dye is believed to confuse spirits into believing the bride and groom are different people. It is the symbolization of bride and groom transitioning into their lives together.
In the Journal of the Royal Society of Arts, George Birdwood briefly discusses some of the various uses of henna in different cultures. For example, Birdwood claims that girls in China sometimes use henna to draw a stripe between their eyebrows. Henna is also used by men to dye their beards red and be rid of gray hairs. In my experience, it has always been male elders in my community that have opted to use henna as a means of covering up gray hairs.
Historically, the design that I included above with the red dot on the inner palm and red fingertips is a very traditional and common design among many cultures. However, the stylistic features of Desi henna, and the henna designs in different areas of the world, can sometimes differ. For example, in Desi bridal henna rituals, brides' hands are typically decorated from the tips of their fingers to their elbows.
Henna is a large part of many different cultures, and it is interesting to see the roles that henna can play in these various cultures.
References:
Sharaby, R. (2006). The Bride's Henna Ritual: Symbols, Meanings and Changes. Nashim: A Journal of Jewish Women's Studies & Gender Issues, (11), 11-42. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/stable/40326803
Birdwood, G. (1917). HENNA. Journal of the Royal Society of Arts, 65(3358), 366-367. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/stable/41347267
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