Henna (Arabic: حِنَّاء‎) is a dye prepared from the plant Lawsonia inermis, also known as hina, the henna tree, the mignonette tree, and the Egyptian privet,[1] the sole species of the Lawsonia genus.

Henna has been used since antiquity to dye skin, hair and fingernails,

Egypt
In Egypt, Henna is an Ancient tradition practised among women on many occasions. At weddings, all women gather the night before the big day and start having Egyptian Henna drawings all over their hands and then on the feet but with lesser extent. Egyptian women also use Henna in different colours as a natural and healthy way to dye their hair, since local made Henna is used for smoothing hair too.

Algeria
In Algeria, the bride's mother-in-law traditionally presents her with jewelry and paints the henna on her hands.

Morocco
In Morocco, henna is applied to a bride's hands and feet during a ceremonial henna day, prior to the wedding. Her hands are then wrapped in cotton and sprinkled with rose water. The wrapping of the hands allow the henna to set to a deep crimson tint. Most of the women in the bride's and groom's family will in turn have henna applied to their hands with less extensive work. Henna is used by women of all ages ceremoniously or decoratively.

India
In India, as a part of Hindu and Sikh weddings, henna is applied during wedding ceremonies. Traditionally it is thought that the darker the henna on the bride's hand, the more intensely her husband will love her. It is an important part of many Hindu festivals (such as Karva Chauth and Diwali), as well as during Eid. It is widely used in south Indian state Kerala especially during Muslim weddings. It is a common practice among Indians, particularly elderly ones, to dye their hair using henna.

Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, prenuptial Henna nights are common. Traditionally the bride's hands are painted with henna by one of her female relatives, the belief being that the relative must be happily married or else she will bring bad luck to the bride.[18]

Pakistan and Bangladesh
In Pakistan, henna is used on hands and feet by brides before their wedding, and by many women for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Often the (women) friends and relatives of groom design or choose the design for the hands and feet of bride. It is also used by men to color their hair. This also occurs in Bangladesh.

Singapore and Malaysia
In Malaysia, henna is used to adorn women's palms, arms and feet as part of pre-wedding celebrations, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Often, a henna ceremony may be held called 'Berinai'. The bride and groom each have their hands stained, but in a trio of ceremonies. The first being three days before the wedding, the second within two days before the wedding and the third which is normally held three days after the wedding. Singapore holds the same traditions.

Israel
In Israel, many sfaradi/mizrachi and Middle Eastern communities and families sometimes choose to have a henna party about a week before the wedding. The henna party is smaller than the wedding, as only closer friends and family members are invited. The bride and groom wear traditional costumes as do some of the main guests. There is much dancing and music, especially when the henna is brought out. The henna is usually presented in a deep dish with lit candles in it and carried by the grandmother. She applies the henna onto the palms of the bride and groom and they are blessed. Subsequently, guests stain their palms with henna as well. There are variations in customs and dress between the different Jewish sfaradi/mizrachi and Arab communities (such as in the communities of Yemen, Morocco, and Jordan).

Somalia
In Somalia, henna is worn by Somali women on their hands, arms, feet and neck during weddings, Eid ul-Fitr, Ramadan, and other festive occasions. Somali henna designs are similar to those in the Arabian peninsula, often featuring flower motifs and triangular shapes. The palm is also frequently decorated with a dot of henna and the fingertips are dipped in the dye. Henna parties are usually held before the wedding takes place.

Tunisia
In Tunisia, prenuptial henna celebrations last for seven days. On the third day, the bride wears a traditional dress and has henna painted on her hands and feet. The groom's pinky finger is painted with henna on the sixth day.

Turkey
In Turkey, henna is sold in convenience stores and markets, such as the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul. It is applied onto the palms of a bride the day before her wedding and to those of the guests. Up until recent years it was used in the rural regions as a hair colour by the older women.

Nigerians
Wetin be our own?