Henna Bellies!

One of the first things I did as a working henna artist is decorate pregnant bellies. My first was in 2006 for my friend Jill. Normally, a henna belly is done as part of a Blessingway ceremony, where friends gather to bless the way to motherhood for an expectant mom. Most of the times this mother has already had a child previously, and gifts for the baby have already been accumulated so this is a chance for women to come and celebrate the woman herself. Gifts are given such as meals for her freezer, candles, hand knit items, gift certificates for massages and other pampering, and a dish to share. Usually, the woman is adorned with a flower crown, given a pedicure and foot massage and adorned with henna designs on her belly. Many celebrities have done this over the years such as Alanis Morisette and Beyoncé.

 This henna belly can be part of a sacred ceremony where a circle is drawn and the woman’s closest friends call their ancestors for support and advice is given to the woman. Prayers or poems can be read. Usually each guest will bring a bead to represent the mom or her family, or their relationship, and at the end all the beads are strung into a birthing necklace. Many of the practices come from a Navajo blessing ceremony, and I’ve witnessed dozens of thes over the past 12 years and witnessed so many powerful bonds, emotional speeches and tears. And of course, laughter.

 A henna belly can be done during the ceremony, but I like to start before most of the guests arrive so the woman can be as still as possible without moving to hug guests or laugh or cry. It’s difficult enough working on a round surface with a moving baby inside. 😁

 As far as the design, I will often show the expectant mom pattern books of traditional Indian designs, and let her choose what design elements she likes best. When she has chosen 4 to 5 elements, I will combine them into a design that is unique to her, so her belly doesn’t end up looking like anything I’ve ever done before.   Always ask if she wants a symmetrical design radiating from near her bellybutton, or something more randomly placed.




Once the ceremony has begun and the belly has been finished, will quietly move within the circle and give each guest a small hand or foot designed to complement the mothers design. Below are some of the bellies I have done over the past several years.