Reading: Hands Up for Henna

Title : Hands Up for Henna by Adrienne Jansen

School Journal Part 4, Number 2, 2002

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A	You are Asli What would it be like if henna was not available here in New Zealand?	Explain the significance of henna being used in many different celebrations.	You are Asli How do you feel when the henna decoration is complete?
B	You are Marion Do you think it’s still worth celebrating it away from your home country?  Explain why?	Henna decoration is not allowed at school. What would you do?	You are Asli’s father. Is there any differences in how henna decoration is done here in New Zealand then back in your homeland?
C	You are Asli? Will the tradition of henna decoration continue?	What could be done to make people from other culture better inform about the importance of henna decoration in your own culture?	You are Asli’s best friend. What will be your reaction when you see Asli with the henna decoration On her hands and feet?

You are Marion

Do you think it’s still worth celebrating it away from your home country?  Explain why?

I think it is still worth celebrating because it is apart of my religion and culture. Even if I’m away from my home country it is still good to celebrate it because it is an huge part of my identity and who I am.

You are Asli?

Will the tradition of henna decoration continue?

Yes, the tradition of Henna will continue because it is something that is apart of my culture and I would like to share with the people around me whether it would be my friends, family, or even my future kids. I would like them to be proud of who they are and be confident.

Henna decoration is not allowed at school. What would you do?

I would first ask why that is and if their reason isn’t very good I would try to persuade the school system to let people wear to school because it is something the describes me and defines my identity.

You are Asli’s best friend.

What will be your reaction when you see Asli with the henna decoration on her hands and feet?

I would be very intrigued and very interested in what had happened to her hands and feet. I would also find it very cool and most likely want to try henna out on myself.