By Andrea Genovese Soares and Rabita Aziz (November 28, 2002)
 

The International Club, in hopes of profiting for their fund, is undertaking a unique fundraiser. On the 12th of December, students may have henna tattoos painted for a modest fee, depending on the size and intricacy of the design.  The members set out to learn how to make henna tattoos, a form of natural tattooing. "We wanted to find something with a cultural background that would raise funds," says Ms. Galofaro, the sponsor of the club. This way, they are providing GMHS students with an opportunity to learn and understand an aspect about a different culture, yet still profiting for the fund. This money is used to pay for the three main activities sponsored by this club: the International Dinner, Picnic, and the International Club Scholarship, which is offered to an outstanding senior member of the club.

Junior Rawan Faramand shows off her henna  adorned hands (Photo by Rabita Aziz)

Henna is a natural paste made of crushed leaves that has been used since 7000 BCE. As part of some eastern cultures, women had their hands decorated before meeting their husband on their wedding day, or the "night of the henna." On this night, the wife was not only adorned but also instructed in her duties as a wife. Nowadays, henna continues to be used before marriages, but has come to be used during other celebrations too. In many traditions, a bride can’t do housework for as long as her henna is still visible.
 

It’s a natural tattoo, so as long as you are not allergic to it, you can and are encouraged to have your henna done on December 12, at Ms. Galofaro’s room, A121. When applied on skin, the henna takes about 3 hours to dry. Then, it peels off leaving a tattoo that will be preserved for about 2 weeks.