Moroccan

The Moroccan henna rituals grew directly out of the Muslim hamam. A woman would sponsor a henna party with food, music, perfume, and flowers. Moroccan parties last much longer than other groups, up to several days at a time, creating a bond between the women. Eventually the dancing would become so frenzied it was believed that the hostess was possessed by a djinni due to her convulsive, hypnotic dancing; this is the climax of the gathering.

Moroccan wedding rituals include men, as do some Hindu. Before the wedding, the grooms mother presents him with henna, four candles, an egg and water. The egg is mixed with water and then added to the henna. His hands are covered in paste while the candles are lit and placed into the bowl. The male guests dance around the room balancing the bowl on their heads until it falls and breaks. The bride will be dressed in an elaborate costume and placed on a throne to receive her mehndi. She will be entertained with dancing and drumming.

Moroccan patterns are very bold and geometric in nature. They focus on methods of self-protection and fertility. Mehndi and the incorporated patterns are viewed as talisman and as such are felt to be the only way a Moroccan Muslim may interfere with fate. Often these patterns will consist of triangles, diamonds, and crosses. These are known as el ain, and are offered as defenses against the evil eye.