The Truth About the Hen in Your ‘Hen Party’
The History of ‘Hen Parties’
These days, it’s pretty common for the bride-to-be and her closest friends and perhaps family to indulge in a Hen Party, some even joining parties with the stag for a ‘Sten’ or ‘Hag’, ahead of their wedding! These Hen Dos are usually a lively pre-wedding tradition filled with fun, laughter and letting go for the night before she finally ties the knot. Whether it’s a night out on the town, a weekend getaway, or a carefully planned event with quirky games, themed activities, and maybe even a cocktail or two, the Hen Party is all about celebrating friendship, love, and the upcoming big day in an unforgettable way.
No matter the changes it has gone through more recently, have you ever found yourself wondering where this tradition comes from, and where it gets its name?
The History of Hen
Historically, the term ‘Hen Party’ does not originate from a gathering of clucking females (like you might assume). Rather, it has far more elegant and cultural roots tied to the reddish-brown dye used to decorate hands, arms, and faces of women; henna. This natural dye, derived from the henna plant, and has reportedly been used for body art for at least 5,000 years. This crushed henna plant dye plays a central role in traditional wedding celebrations across many Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, and that is where the name for our pre-wedding party is said to come from.
Mehndi is one of the most prominent traditions involving henna; a joyful and vibrant pre-wedding event that originated in India and is now celebrated across South Asia and within many other communities around the world. During this ceremony, the bride-to-be’s hands, arms and feet are intricately adorned, applied in swirling, detailed patterns. This paste is left to dry, and once the mud-like substance is removed, a deep red imprint remains, which can last about three weeks.
The Bridal Henna Designs
The Mehndi ceremony is not only a time of beauty and artistry but also of symbolism and good fortune. It is said that the darker the design imprints on the skin and stays visible, the deeper the love is between the couple, and the stronger the bond will be. This ceremony nowadays allows the bride to switch off and be in the moment to focus on the present for her big day, whereas originally it was thought to ensure the bride is ready for her new life by keeping her safe and rested the night before.
Designs and placement vary from region to region but are often beautifully ornate. Arabic henna is usually known for bold, flowing, floral and vine motifs on the hands and feet. Whereas Indian henna designs are densely intricate with lacy, paisley and mandalas on hands, forearms, feet and legs, which tell stories of tradition and some elements symbolising things the bride hopes to be during her married life. These can include botanical designs to symbolise fertility, and peacocks to signify beauty. In some cultures, decorating the hands themselves is said to allow the bearer to both offer and receive blessings.
Adding a playful twist to this tradition, it's customary for the henna artist to cleverly conceal the groom’s name or initials within the elaborate design. After the ceremony, it becomes a fun game for the groom to try and find his name hidden amidst the floral and paisley motifs, acting as an ice breaker and bonding between the couple.
So - that's why!
So while the modern “hen party” might now involve a night out with friends, laughter, and light-hearted mischief, its name and spirit are deeply rooted in a rich, centuries-old tradition of beauty, symbolism, and joyful celebration.
It’s important to share and celebrate its origin and be mindful when recognising its cultural ritual of preparing for a new chapter in life.
Fancy booking your hen and stag at Stoke By Nayland? Bridal parties can indulge in a luxurious Spa Day with a chilled glass of fizz and overnight stay, whilst stag dos can tee off on our championship golf courses with a pint in our Sports Bar. All topped off with a cooked breakfast for that hangover the next morning!
Looking to plan your hen party or find out more about planning your wedding? Then read more in our blog.
For frequently asked questions about weddings, visit our FAQs page.