henna

Name of a flowering plant with the botanical name Lawsonia inermis. From its tiny fruits a dye can be gained, which is also referred to as henna, and which is used in India to dye fabrics and hair, as well as to apply skin decorations, especially on the hands and feet of girls and women during special occasions, such as festivals and weddings (fig.). The latter applications is in India known as mehndi (fig.). Muslim men are not allowed to dye their hair, unless they use henna, which they typically do to indicate their completion of the Hadj, i.e. the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. Hair dyed with henna (fig.) is dark orange to red, and can oft be seen in India. 回