I've seen henna tattoos before, but I didn't realize how long they've been associated with Egypt, and particularly women there.

I think it would be interesting to get a henna tattoo while on vacation in Egypt. It's temporary, but if you still have it when you get home, it would be an interesting conversation piece.

Have you had one of these?

I did a little research and think I'll pass.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna

Someone from Egypt correct this if it's wrong but the process doesn't seem without some issues, and I would suspect that it largely depends on your skin type to begin with.

A few of my friends had henna tattoos done when we were in in Guatemala. I watched them get it done, and it wasn't really as much of a hassle as you'd think. You just have to be careful to not touch or rub the area at all, and let the paste flake off on its own. I was going to get one too, but ran out of time.

The tattoos in the photos at that link are more complex than the ones I've seen offered to tourists in my travels.

My wife got one in Mexico, and it was a pretty straight forward thing, and not very big.

Some of the references I read the other day emphasized the Egyptian tradition of the henna tattoos. I think some people think they may have originated there.

They seem like they would take a long time to have done. I think they're interesting, but I'm not patient enough to sit still for one. LOL

I think I had that henna tattoos originated in India, but I could be wrong. I'm not even sure how you would verify that.

I read somewhere once that henna tattoo's date back over 5000 years. I thought it orginated in India too but that Egyptians made it more mainstream? I am with you though it does seem like it would be a long process.

Lol I will let you all know, a friend of mine does Henna work, and I will be having my palms done for her portfolio next week sometime. Fortunately its only temporary, but I will post pics for you.

I'll look forward to those pics, Isis.

When I was checking out articles on henna tattoos, I seemed to find conflicting reports about where they originated.

Also, my wife's henna tattoo was much smaller than the ones I've seen featured at the link posted above.

How temporary is temporary? That's what I am very curious about!

I would love to see the tattoo, thank you. Yes that is a good question how long is temporary. And is there a signifigance to getting them done on the palms?