{Kids}
Henna Class at Library
Parvin Pothiawala from Essex Jct, Vermont taught a beginning class in the art of henna (or mehndi) to a group of teens on Tuesday, June 22 at the library. Parvin uses only all-natural henna shipped directly to her from Mumbai. Natural henna is made from the leaves of the Lawsonia inermia plant, lemon juice, clove oil and water. Natural henna stains a rich, red brown. Products sold as "black henna" or "neutral henna" do not contain henna and may be derived from indigo and may contain dyes and chemicals.
Henna has been used since the Bronze Age to dye skin, hair, fingernails, leather, silk and wool. In several parts of the world it is traditionally used in festivals and celebrations. There is mention of henna as a hair dye in Indian court records around 400 CE, in Rome during the Roman Empire, in Spain during the early Middle Ages. and was listed in medical records as a medicinal herb in 16th century Egypt.
Teens participating in the class looked through henna design books and practiced drawing on paper before attempting to paint their skin. Parvin added her own finishing touches!
