[ad_1]
The whole neighborhood bustling with wedding preparations.
In a courtyard in Yaoundé, Cameroon, a family started a special ceremony. It’s henna time for brides and young ladies. They stand out with elaborate or simple henna designs on the skin.
“In Cameroon, henna is called sifa. It takes place before the feast of Ramadan, Tabakshi and Eid El Kabir. It is also used on occasions such as baptisms and weddings. ”
After the henna tree leaves are dried and powdered, water and oil are added.
Henna is rubbed into the skin in liquid or powder form.
Wednesday or Thursday marks the beginning of the wedding, which usually lasts up to four days, and the bride-to-be is adorned with henna and joins other guests in traditional costumes.
“For my wedding, my mother, sister and cousin used henna. My grandmother and aunt drew henna tattoos on me.”
Powders are popular because they are easy to obtain and cheap.
But for some Muslim Cameroonians, it’s the symbolism that matters most.
“At the ceremony at the end of the reading of the Quran, girls usually do henna because they are happy.”
Henna powder also protects women from diseases and infections. They can be applied to hair. It is also used to make facial masks.
In addition to its cosmetic and medicinal benefits, some people use it for mystical purposes.
The art of henna has been practiced in South Asia, Africa and the Middle East for over 5,000 years.
[ad_2]
Source link
