Henna designs and what they could mean?

The meaning of symbols may vary across cultures.

I know that this information has been long awaited by many of you!

I’m sure many of you sometimes wonder if a particular pattern has a specific meaning. As it happens, some henna designs are symbolic. I will reveal what I found in my research! I was really surprised and I hope this material inspires you as much as it has influenced my work!

Henna forms part of many cultural backgrounds therefore the meanings of symbols may vary or be used to represent for different things. I have outlined the meaning of the most popular symbols that I use when applying henna. The most interesting ones are at the top so enjoy!

The scorpion! This symbol is said to represent love and romance, its sting is equivalent to Cupid’s arrow while being stung produces the same effects as being in love – glittering eyes, breathless, heat and feeling feverish!

Flowers represent joy and happiness while the bud, used widely by henna artists especially in bridal henna, signify new growth like at the end of a drought and at the beginning of a rainy season or as a metaphor to symbolise the start of a new love and a new life!  The Lotus Blossom represents the light within or the awakening of the human soul so to say. It reflects grace, beauty, creativity, sensuality, femininity, and purity. The sahasrara design is a thousand petal lotus-an ancient symbol which is said to unite the soul with the ‘Divine Source’. Very deep meaning!

Vines and leaves in henna designs often represent devotion and vitality and are perfect for marriage celebrations.

Birds of all sorts are incorporated in henna designs! According to tradition they are the messengers between heaven and earth. Parrots are the messengers of love! Swans represent success and peacocks stand for beauty!

Butterflies and dragonflies often exemplify rebirth, transformation or simply change. Intricate and scrolling paisley patterns can represent fertility and luck. Paisley’s are very common in any henna designs and they are the easiest patterns to master!

This is very interesting! An eye or Ancient eyes in henna art often represent the reflection of the evil eye that is, turning any evil wishes back onto the gazer while offering a spiritual form of protection. It is popular for weddings or any other of life’s journeys, a henna eye is a comforting companion.

Reptiles such as snakes and lizards don’t feature so much in today’s designs however they are considered the seekers of enlightenment in henna practices. The tortoise offers protection and fertility but is very rarely used.

As it happens, it is not only the symbols that hold meaning, it is also where the henna in placed! Henna designs can be placed anywhere on your body but certain locations are more significant!

Henna that is placed on the palms of the hand allows the bearer to receive and offer blessings. Popular henna deigns for the palms include mandalas, sun and flower images.

Henna placed on the top of the hands can be suggestive of protection and often includes shield designs.

For men, the right hand is considered projective whereas the right hand is receptive and represents women. The feet are truly a spiritual place to henna, as they connect the body, mind and spirit with the earth.

I hope you’re left as enlightened as well as intrigued! Henna designs are amazing!