Camille Ramsaroop

Reed’s experience with henna dates back to 2012, when her daughter Camille began practicing designs. “My daughters are Indian, so my connection is through their cultural experience,” Reed said.

This year, freshmen Anushka Patil, Riya Golamari, and Aastha Vig established the Henna Club. After weeks of being postponed due to inclement weather and schoolwork, the first meeting is scheduled for February 6 in English teacher Allison Reed’s room. The club is open to all grade levels. 

“We wanted to bring our culture to everybody and let them feel our culture, and henna’s also therapeutic,” said Riya Golamari, one of the student leaders of the henna club.

According to Reed, the sponsor of the club, it is still in its infancy, and the first exciting meeting will likely entail some of the starter basics of henna, its origin, and different designs and styles. Students who also attend the meeting might be taught by the student leaders themselves on how to apply the ink safely. 

Among the excitement about the new club, students have also chosen to share their own personal and cultural connections with henna and why it is important to them. “I am Middle Eastern. Henna has run in my family traditions, where we do it for holidays, weddings, or Henna parties, which is like a bridal shower,” said freshman Reham Salameh. 

For many students like Reham, henna represents more than traditional body art, as it serves as a symbol for many cultures and can also be used in creative aspects.

“It [henna] helps people if they like to draw. It also helps people express their artistic abilities,” said Anushka Patil, another one of the student leaders of the club.

Henna is used for temporary skin decor and is made from leaves that were harvested, dried, and molded into greenish-brown powder. It is also used for calming methods, such as cooling the skin or covering scars. 

“The art of henna expresses cultural values and has been used for thousands of years across parts of the world,” said Reed. “This club is an opportunity for all students, regardless of background, to explore another culture, encouraging the study of traditions that are not one’s own.” 

Additionally, since this is North’s first club focused on henna, the club aims, for now, to create a space for students to explore cultural traditions and artistic expression. With it open to all grade levels, the club leaders and founders hope to encourage learning and an appreciation for traditions that hold meaning for many cultures, some of which may not be yours. 

“They [students] can spread creativity if they love drawing or want to connect.  They can relax, too, after finals. It can take away stress,” said Golamari.