Zaiane

Fez

Asafi

Traditional Khamsa patterns such as these are hennaed on the palms of women, men and children at Id al-Adha, to insure that malicious spirits will not foul the sacrifice.  Patterns particularly used to deter Evil are X, diamond and crosses shaped, and were drawn with henna in the center of the palm, often using a pic or small twig dipped in henna.  Henna artists have recently adapted syringes, and bandage-resist techniques to create more delicate, complex patterning.  Id patterns are simpler than bridal patterns, as people are busy with holiday preparations and don't have time to have their hands intricately decorated.  Goats, sheep, dogs, camels, horses ....... even parts of the house have been traditionally henned at Id! 

"Id al-Adha: The Ecological and Nutritional Impact of the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice, and the Significance of Henna in this Sacrifice" 

Catherine Cartwright Jones has published a research paper, "Id al-Adha: The Ecological and Nutritional Impact of the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice, and the Significance of Henna in this Sacrifice".    This paper details henna use and 19th century Amazigh Id al-Adha traditions.  She traces the origins and function of these sacrifice and henna  traditions back to their origins in the Neolithic period.  She analyzes Id and its henna traditions as a crucial stabilizing force for the society, environment, economy and religion.  You can get a copy of this thoroughly researched, bibliographed, footnoted paper as an e-book or in print from TapDancing Lizard Press! This paper includes over 50 more traditional Amazigh khamsa henna patterns from 1870 to 1930! 
Want to see a sample page of the Id al-Adha paper?

Want an e-book with fully documented reliable scholarship on the fertility and sacrifice origins of henna traditions and  their integration into the fabric of social and economic systems?   Get: