Introduction of the Poem “In Praise of Henna” :
“In Praise of Henna” is a vibrant and lyrical poem by Sarojini Naidu, often known as the “Nightingale of India.” The poem celebrates the cultural, aesthetic, and symbolic significance of henna (mehendi) in Indian tradition. Sarojini Naidu uses rich imagery and musical language to highlight the artistry of henna, its connection to festivity and femininity, and the joy it brings to social and ceremonial occasions.
Through the voices of women who prepare and admire henna designs, the poem reflects themes of beauty, sisterhood, and cultural pride. It stands out as a vivid example of Naidu’s ability to merge Indian customs with lyrical expression, creating poetry that is both culturally rooted and emotionally resonant.
The poem “In Praise of Henna” celebrates the beauty of Indian customs and cultural scenes. Indian traditions possess a unique charm that captivates all who encounter them. In this poem, Sarojini Naidu highlights the special place henna holds within Indian families, noting that many auspicious ceremonies feel incomplete without it.
Henna is viewed as a symbol of joy and good fortune. Naidu paints a vivid portrait of Rajasthani village life, where young girls and women gather fresh henna leaves and grind them into a fragrant paste. Adding to this picturesque setting is a nightingale perched on a henna branch, infusing the scene with a soft, romantic aura.
Summary of the Poem “In Praise of Henna”:
Stanza 1:
A Kokila called from a henna – spray :
Lira! liree! Lira! liree!
Hasten, maidens, hasten away
To gather the leaves of the henna – tree.
Send your pitchers afloat on the tide.
Gather the leaves ere the dawn be old,
Grind them in mortars of amber and gold,
The fresh green leaves of the henna – tree.
Explanatory Word – Meanings:
1. A Kokila … tree= in spring season, Koel sings harmonious notes sitting on the branch of the henna tree and calls the maidens. Through its song, it conveys them to make haste in collecting the leaves of the henna – tree. 2. Henna-spray= the branch or bough of the henna – tree. 3. Lira, liree, lira, liree = transcription into words of the sounds of a nightingale, when it bursts forth into a song. 4. Hasten = move or act with speed. 5. Send … tide = Koel asks them to put their pitchers in the floating state on the swell of water. 6. Afloat = borne on the water, in a floating condition. 7. Gather the leaves … old = it conveys them to collect the leaves before the dawn otherwise these would fade away. 8. Ere the dawn = before the sun rise. 9. Be old = will dry. 10. Grind them … tree = the maidens are asked to reduce the green leaves into paste because they (the leaves) are fresh and will provide the best result.
Paraphrase:
Sarojini Naidu portrays the custom of applying henna during sacred and joyful celebrations, a tradition especially strong in Rajasthan. As spring arrives, the nightingale perches on the branches of the henna tree, pouring out melodious notes for the young women who visit the nearby streams and ponds to fill their pitchers. Its song seems to invite them to hurry to the henna grove and gather the tender, green leaves before the sun rises, for once daylight appears, the leaves may lose their moisture and charm.
The maidens joyfully pluck the leaves, singing gentle praises of henna as they work. Collecting the leaves fills them with delight, for they cherish the ritual of applying the fragrant paste to delicate parts of their body. Once the leaves are gathered, they carefully grind them into a smooth, rich paste.
Stanza 2:
A kokila called from a henna – spray;
Lira! liree! Lira! liree!
Hasten maidens, hasten away
To gather the leaves of the henna – tree.
The tilka’s red for the brow of a bride,
And betel – nut’s red for lips that are sweet;
But, for lily – like fingers and feet,
The red, the red of the henna – tree.
Explanatory Word – Meanings:
1. The tilka’s red … bride = tilka like red colour is applied on the forehead of the bride. 2. And betel – nut’s … sweet = the tender and delicate lips are made attractive and lovable by applying betel like red. 3. But, for … tree= for the feet and fingers which are white like lily flowers, dark and red colour is applied.
Paraphrase:
The nightingale perched upon a branch of the henna tree pours out its melodious call, urging the young maidens to gather the henna leaves before dawn breaks. In its song lies a gentle reminder to hurry and take the fresh foliage home. Responding to the bird’s call, the maidens pluck the leaves while singing soft praises of the henna plant. The crushed leaves are later made into a paste to adorn a bride’s forehead. Her delicate lips are tinted with the deep hue of betel, while her fingers and feet—fair as lily petals—are stained with a bright, pure red.
Critical Analysis of the Poem “In Praise of Henna”:
Introduction:
The poem “In Praise of Henna” is a traditional folk-song that celebrates the beauty of Indian customs and rural life. In Indian households, the henna leaf is cherished as a symbol of joy and good fortune. Sarojini Naidu paints a vivid portrait of Rajasthan’s villages, where young women visit the ponds and streams at dawn and dusk to fetch water. Spring brings a special enchantment to these places: the nightingale perches on the henna branches and fills the air with its melodious song, casting a romantic spell over the surroundings. Its gentle call urges the maidens to gather the fresh henna leaves before the sun rises.
Thought – Content:
Responding to the nightingale’s call, the young girls gather beneath the henna tree to pluck its fresh leaves. Once collected, the leaves are ground into a smooth paste, which maidens and women apply to their palms and feet during festive and sacred occasions, staining them a rich red. The colour, once set, clings to the skin for nearly a week, even with frequent washing. This paste is also used to create delicate, artistic patterns on the hands—an age-old folk art widely cherished in Rajasthan. With the arrival of spring showers, the girls are again summoned to gather henna leaves and lift their voices in songs celebrating its beauty.
Style and Language:
This poem is written in ballad metre. The first four lines of the first stanza are repeated in the beginning of the second stanza. This poem is transcription of the self – sung song, which intends to bring out the tenderness and innocent joy of the girls. In this poem, the poetess has used simile and metaphor to enhance the beauty of the poem:
“Grind them in mortars of amber and gold.” (Metaphor)
“For lily-like fingers and feet.”
