Henna Body Art: An Arabic Culture

The Filipino culture is so rich and diverse, having been under the influence of many other nations over the centuries. Chinese, Malay, Spaniards, Japanese, Americans... you will find a hint of these cultures into ours. Today, however, I want to talk about the a culture that I have been immersed with over the past 13 years.

I am a Filipino living in the United Arab Emirates. Since the very first day I set foot on this country in 2005, I have been in awe of how rich and preserved their culture is.

Up to this day, you can still find the Arabs wearing their traditional dresses, Abaya for women and Kandura for men. They are also very modest when it comes to how ladies are treated - there are special lanes for women in almost any institution, office or public place and even public transport. Do not put yourself into unwanted trouble by taking pictures of these ladies without their consent too. Lucky me, I have my gorgeous model. Sorry if I cannot show her beautiful face in full. She is not allowed.

That being said, that does not mean that these people, especially the ladies, do not know how to have fun. This morning, I noticed Ameerah's hands laced with henna tattoo. She said she had her hands done because she has a party to go to this weekend.

I decided to share this particular part of the Arabic culture since it focuses mainly on femininity. Arab Ladies feel especially beautiful with these works of art.

Not just a design...

Henna tattoo in Arab women is not just a design or decoration on their bodies. It is a tradition. Henna is a symbol of good luck, health and sensuality in the Arab world. So whenever there is a wedding ceremony, some brides do throw a henna party. The henna paste is applied on the skin, making simple to intricate designs.

These days, ladies get henna tattoo not only on weddings, but on many other special occasions too. You will find ladies adorned with these artful tattoos especially on Eid Al Fitr (the end of Ramadan)and Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice). What is good about this kind of tattoo is that it is temporary and would be washed away after a few days. For Ameerah, she spent almost 2 hours in the salon just to get her hands and arms done.

I see these tattoos as a way in which Arab ladies can express themselves without being constrained by their strict culture. It is anyway, in itself culture! No words required, just art. As a woman, I value that freedom so much.

Beautiful art on a beautiful lady's hands...

Henna tattoo of course, can also be worn by any other ladies, not just the Arabs. YOU can get one too if you wish. Men, however, find these too feminine, hence they pass.

Maria Clara's

For Filipinos, ladies who uphold Filipina women's virtues are often referred to as Maria Clara. Maria Clara is one of the characters in our National Hero, Jose Rizal's novel, Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) - shy, soft spoken, subservient, among others. In these modern times, as we try to catch up with the trends and Westernization, these values are barely observed anymore. Hey, you can not see Filipinas (even males actually) in traditional clothing anymore, unless on special occasions like Philippine Independence Day! Well, that would really be a little inconvenient to wear. Haha.

Seeing both sides - the modest virtues expected from Arab ladies and the Maria Clara characteristics slowly fading away, I wonder.. which one is better? Through these contrasts, I know we ladies from different all over the world meet halfway. We seek individualism and acceptance. We can have that, can't we?