A henna tattoo is a form of temporary body decoration that is similar in appearance to a tattoo, but is created using a paste made from the henna plant. The paste is made by drying and crushing the leaves of the henna plant, then mixing them with water and essential oils to create a deep olive-colored paste. When applied to the skin, the paste eventually produces a reddish-brown stain thanks to its natural dyes. Henna tattoos are fast, easy, painless, affordable, and temporary. They can last from 12 days to a couple of months, depending on how well they are cared for. Henna tattoos are most commonly placed on the hands and feet, but can be placed almost anywhere on the body. Henna tattoos are not permanent like ink tattoos, as the dye sits on the skins surface rather than piercing the skin. Henna tattoos have been used for over 5000 years in Pakistan, India, Africa, and the Middle East, and are often used to celebrate special occasions such as weddings and birthdays. Henna tattoos can have symbolic meanings, and different henna patterns and symbols have ethnic and religious meanings.