Good Luck

In Morocco, henna is applied to bring good luck. It comes from a plant that is crushed and mixed with a mildly acidic liquid such as lemon juice or strong tea. It is then put into a tube and put on the skin. Once it dries, the stain left on the skin is an orangish color that darkens and stays for days. During Explore Morocco, I was able to have henna put on both of my hands.

This is Krista, getting henna on her hands during Explore Morocco. Henna is traditionally worn for good luck at a wedding, during the 7th month of pregnancy, and for other special occasions. All of the kids and teachers were able to have henna done for good luck during our Moroccan celebration week.

Many of the women married to Moroccan men told me that the men hate the smell of it - one woman's husband won't eat food that she cooks while the henna stain remains on her hands. I didn't notice it being a terrible smell, but I'm not the most observant person in the world! :)