UNESCO Adds Moroccan Henna to Its Intangible Cultural Heritage List

On Wednesday, UNESCO included “Henna,” with all its rituals associated with Arab countries, into their Intangible Cultural Heritage list as an Intangible Cultural Asset. 

Henna originates in the dried and ground leaves of plants; today it’s used as an effective permanent tattoo product on women’s feet and arms during wedding ceremonies and has many health-enhancing benefits that make it popular as natural dyeing solution for hair dyeing applications. Henna can be regarded as both temporary and permanent tattoo options with permanent effects for bridal feet and arms – with long lasting tattoo designs lasting several weeks and providing temporary ink effects with temporary results that last several days or so afterward! It can even provide natural hair dye that offers health advantages which outsmart traditional products used on women’s feet and arms during wedding events! Hena can even natural hair dye and offers health advantages that rival traditional products used on hair that allows it to offer. Hena offers both permanent ink products while providing natural hair coloring solutions thanks to health benefits it brings! 

In some North African and Middle Eastern nations, applying henna to newborn babies’ skin as part of tradition to bring good fortune has long been considered important for good fortune and life milestones, according to UNESCO. “Henna represents life from conception through death”, as stated. 

Henna designs vary according to region, from North African-inspired Amazigh-influenced patterns and vibrant floral motifs commonly seen throughout The Arabian Peninsula and Morocco. Sixteen Arab nations including Morocco have approved Henna submission as a legal practice. 

Monday saw the creation of an Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage at Asuncion in Paraguay to examine 66 nominations submitted and emphasize traditions with community roots.