In the 12th century, henna was introduced to the country of India. It was popular among the Rajputs of Mewar. Women often put henna on their hands and feet to symbolize and create beauty. This was a common practice within their culture. Eventually the practice of applying henna to their bodies became tradition.
Weddings seem to be a popular occasion for henna.
Henna is a natural product derived from a small plant ranging between 3.5 to 5 feet tall. The henna plant is green and has leaves that are very fragrant. When applied to the skin, henna turns to a brownish-reddish color. Henna provides a cooling effect to the human body. When the plant was first discovered, people applied henna to the palms of their hands to keep them cool during the warm summers.