Mehndi is a spiritual practice. In the West, most people do not think of getting tattoos or putting on jewelry as a way to get closer to God. We put on makeup and wear certain colors because we want to be attractive and fit in with the people around us. In India and other areas where mehndi is practiced, adornment is as important as prayer. In fact, it is a form of prayer. Special symbols are painted on the body to invoke certain gods and goddesses. There are symbols of protection and symbols of good fortune. Sometimes women will have a henna party if they want to influence future events. In Morocco, a religion called animism is a large part of the culture. Devotees of animism believe that many objects contain baraka, or mystical power. The henna plant was thought to be the prophet Mohammed’s favorite flower, so it is believed to have a high degree of baraka. Therefore, some Moroccan women still use mehndi as a magical tool.
Mehndi is also linked to superstition. The deepness of the stain left on the skin of a bride is thought to indicate the strength of the bond between husband and wife. Hindus believe that the goddess Lakshmi exists in henna designs. Lakshmi is the goddess of prosperity.