Re: comments from strangers

Posted by Henna diva on November 02, 1999 at 01:47:01:

In Reply to: Re: comments from strangers posted by Giselle on October 31, 1999 at 05:38:50:

Oh wow, I didn't even see this thread. I posted this below to another
thread:

I'm also interested in hearing about those who aren't "in the know"
and their reactions to henna tattoes. I always worry when I go to a
wedding whether or not to get it done on my hands, because although
some of my co-workers might not mind, if I have contact with customers
or anyone "important" all of a sudden it's an issue.

I remember when I was in middle school about 8 years ago my hands were
decorated with mehndi from my trip to India the summer before. The
reaction of most of the people, young and old, was that there was some
sort of beautiful rash on my hands. I recall being embarrassed to
raise my hand and bringing my brightly decorated hand to attention.

Thankfully there's a little more awareness out there now -- and more
people getting to appreciate it too.

But I still wonder about the workplace. . . for me, I wonder if it
could be considered "cultural" and therefore allowed?

BTW, this site is great!!

:
: : I would be curious to hear other people's experiences of henna in
: the
: : workplace. Has anyone been forbidden to have it? Has anyone been
: : warned? What is your company's policy on other body decoration,
: : piercing and tattoos?

: I work in a casual place. We don't deal with the public and no one
: has told me I can't wear it.

: Just the other day, we were celebrating in my boss' office and
: someone came in looking for me. He looked around, I was under his
: nose but he didn't see me. He said he didn't recognize me without
: henna!

: I hennaed a woman who wanted me to put it in a place she could hide
: because she was a nurse and was not allowed to have tattoos that
: showed.

Even though there are some people who know about it now, I have to
admit I still shy away from putting on a highly visible part of my
hand. I'm in college, but when I'm in contact with older people
things can get pretty messy. And the worst is when someone notices
(wide open eyes, peering curiously), but don't say anything.
Sometimes it's like, "Ask! It's too beatiful to be a disease or
something."

Well, there's my rant for the day. :)

Follow-ups:

• Re: comments from strangers Giselle 11:10:46 11/04/99 (1)
  • Re: henna in the workplace Natasha Papousek 14:21:32 11/04/99 (0)