While this tradition is still widely used in India, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, it is now gaining popularity throughout the Western world as well. Rooted in the belief that those whose skin is adorned with henna are blessed with good fortune, henna is often associated with rights of passage€”coming of age, marriage, and childbirth. Holidays and festivals are times when women and girls decorate their hands and feet, and henna patterns are sometimes unique to these occasions. In some cultures, a bridegroom may be decorated the night before a wedding as well. It is increasingly common for henna parties to be held in the United States, sometimes at weddings, birthday parties, and baby showers€”and sometimes just for fun.