The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added “Henna,” along with its associated rituals in Arab countries, to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list on Wednesday.
Derived from the dried and grounded leaves of a plant, Henna is a popular temporary tattooing product, particularly for women’s arms and feet during weddings. It is also a natural dye for hair, valued for its health benefits.
In many North African and Middle Eastern countries, it is customary to apply it to the skin of newborns as a means of bestowing good fortune upon them.
“Henna symbolizes the cycle of life, from birth to death, featuring prominently in significant life milestones,” UNESCO stated.
The patterns and designs created with Henna vary by region, from North African Amazigh-inspired motifs to bold floral designs popular in the Arabian Peninsula. Sixteen Arab nations, including Morocco, endorsed Henna’s submission for inclusion.
The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage convened in Asunción, Paraguay, on Monday to review 66 nominations, prioritizing traditions with communal roots.