Henna Designs

Indian Henna Designs

Henna that decorates the palms of the hands enable the hands to give and receive blessings. Common designs used on the palms include mandalas, the sun, and flowers. Henna that decorates the top of the hands symbolizes protection, illustrations being various kinds of shield designs. For men in India, Henna on the right hand symbolizes protection while the left hand is for women to receive. Men commonly are adorned with Henna on their feet.

“The feet are truly a spiritual place to henna, as they connect the body, mind and spirit with the earth.” – Jodie Michalak 

Henna decorating a woman’s hands and feet

There are different kinds of designs that mean certain things in the Indian culture include the following.

• Sahasara is an ancient symbol that is believed to bring together the soul and a divine sense of force.
• The peacock symbolizes beauty. Birds are believed to be messengers between heaven and earth, and flowers are considered to represent pure happiness and joy.
• Swans symbolize beauty as well as success.
• Dragonflies and butterflies signify a change or rebirth in life, while snakes and other lizards represent someone’s soul searching for enlightenment.
• If there is an eye among the Henna design, it represents the evil eye, which protects the individual wearing it and deflects any negativity thrown their way.
• Vines and leaves are often seen on brides as they symbolize devotion and vitality.

Henna design sahasara on the palm of a woman’s hand.

These popular Henna designs and their respective representations are exclusive to the Indian culture even though they may represent similar or the same symbolisms in different contexts around the world.