#Fifth Settlement
In Egypt and across the Arab world, henna rituals—once sacred ceremonies imbued with spiritual meaning—have transformed into lavish, high-budget spectacles. What began millennia ago as symbolic body art to ward off evil spirits has become a display of opulence, where glitter replaces traditional henna, elaborate cakes overshadow customary sweets, like kahk (festive cookies) and qatayef (stuffed pancakes), and social media trends dictate décor. This evolution reflects broader societal shifts, from the rise of influencer culture to the commercialization of tradition.…
