Re: Grief Henna?

Posted by Natasha Papousek on October 13, 1999 at 18:46:56:

In Reply to: Re: Grief Henna? posted by CAtherine Cartwright Jones on October 13, 1999 at 04:43:23:

: Historically, traditionally, mourning is the one time absolutely no
: nobody does henna. Henna is not allowed for 40 days to two years
: after a death...

I've been taking a class on Middle Eastern Folklore, and my readings
suggest that possibly the main reason for not using henna for 40 days
after a funeral is that the the death of a loved one is a vulnerable
time for the women close to the deceased, a perfect time for evil
spirits to cause trouble in the form of possession, sickness, etc.
Spirits are attracted to beauty -- so no cosmetics are used --
perfume, kohl, henna, hair oil -- and the women maintain a very low
profile until the proscribed period has passed.

Interestingly the 40 days seems to be an important length of time --
lots of life events require 40 days of either abstinence or seclusion
-- birth, marriage (a real honeymoon where the couple remains secluded
for 40 days), etc. And didn't it rain for 40 days and nights in the
Noah myth?

Follow-ups:

• Re: Grief Henna? Catherine Cartwright Jones 21:14:48 10/13/99 (3)
  • Re: Grief Henna? Natasha Papousek 22:29:32 10/13/99 (2)
    • Re: Grief Henna? Catherine Cartwright Jones 03:02:41 10/14/99 (1)
      • Re: info sources Natasha papousek 16:17:49 10/14/99 (0)