In communities of Middle Eastern and North African descent, it is customary to conduct a henna ceremony, which symbolizes the transition of the bride from single life to marriage. During the ceremony, a brown-colored dye produced from the leaves of the henna plant is applied to the bride’s hands. It is customary to draw circles on her hands in the form of a coin, symbolizing blessings of abundance and good fortune.

There are two main variations of the henna ceremony:

(1) Henna at a ritual bath [mikva]: Every bride immerses in a mikva before her wedding. In some communities it is customary for the bride’s family and friends to accompany her to the mikva, and after the immersion, to distribute sweet foods to the attendees and to paint the palms of the bride’s hands with henna. Only women and girls participate in this ceremony.

(2) A henna celebration: Some conduct the henna ceremony earlier than when the bride immerses in the mikva. This celebration is held at home or in a hall and is not limited to women. Sweet foods are distributed at the celebration and the palms of the hand of the bride and groom are painted with henna. In addition, a festive meal is held with the participation of the groom and his family.

Further reading: For more on immersing in a mikva and the preparations for this ritual, see p. 578.