Henna night culture, or "laylat al-henna" in Arabic, has deep roots in Arab culture and is an important part of wedding celebrations as well as various other traditional ceremonies. The practice not only expresses visual beauty but also carries deep spiritual significance for the Arab Muslim community spread across the globe as well as the Arab descendants residing in the Indonesian region.
History and Origins
The use of henna as a natural colorant dates back to ancient times in the regions of Asia and North Africa. The leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant used to make henna paste have interesting coloring properties that will produce a brownish-red color that can absorb into the skin and also into the hair, which is used to decorate the body in art and ritual forms. In the Islamic context, henna night is practiced as mubah, which according to scholars is allowed and even recommended based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad SAW who also used henna to decorate his body, one of which was his hair.
The tradition of henna night is especially widely recognized in the Arab world, where the process is not only a part of weddings, but also other events such as births, important celebrations, and cultural festivals. Each region within the Arab world has unique variations in how they celebrate the henna night, with each reflecting their own cultural and Islamic religious richness.
One example is the organization of henna night in Indonesia. It is common for families of Arab descent to celebrate the night before the bride's wedding and they organize it at the bride-to-be's house as a form of celebration for the marriage of the two families and also as a form of their happiness for the bride's marriage.
Meaning and Symbolism in Islam
The henna night is not only about adorning the body with beautiful henna patterns but also has deep meaning and symbolism in Islam. The use of henna is considered a form of respect for the body bestowed by Allah SWT, as well as a symbol of the beauty of the universe created by Him. The motifs used in henna often have symbolic meanings, such as roses symbolizing eternal beauty and love, or geometric patterns representing unity and harmony.
In addition, henna nights are also thought to bring blessings and protection from evil spirits. This becomes important in pre-wedding traditions where brides are often adorned with henna to bring happiness, harmony, and protection in their married life.
Traditional Process and Ritual
The henna night process begins with meticulous preparation, where a henna master or "nahhla" is tasked with decorating the bride's body with intricate henna designs. A nahhla is a woman skilled in the art of henna, and her job is not only to decorate the body but also to create a moment of togetherness and intimacy between family and close friends.
Henna nights are often an opportunity for extended family to come together, with singing, dancing, and stories told to celebrate the bride's arrival into the new family. It's not just a celebration, but also a social ritual that strengthens the bonds between family members.
Even so, one of the reasons they make henna nights is to show their social status which will make it easier to build business relationships between families because for Arabs trading and doing business with fellow Arabs is more profitable because they can trust each other and are willing to do business. In addition, this henna night is often used to expand the network between the two families by building a community in it which will be a place to discuss future problems between families.
Preserving Traditions in the Modern Era
In this modern era, the tradition of henna night continues to evolve and adapt to the changing times. The influence of globalization and technology has affected many aspects of life, including how henna night is celebrated and practiced. Nonetheless, Arab societies remain persistent in preserving their cultural values through henna night, as an integral part of their cultural heritage.