Sarah Buchholtz
Features Editor
Students gathered in The Underground on Thursday, Nov. 13 for Henna Night. This drop-in event was held from 7-11 p.m. and allowed students to create their own henna designs or apply them on friends. The event was open to everyone and offered students a relaxing space to take a break during a busy week. Materials were available throughout the evening, allowing attendees to experiment creatively.
The Underground provided henna cones, practice sheets and various stickers, making it accessible for both first-time participants and those familiar with henna. For some, the event was an opportunity to try henna for the first time, and for others, it was a chance to try something new by applying it themselves. “It looked like a fun way to unwind before the end of the week,” said participant Ella Wurtzbacher ’28. “I have gotten henna before, but have never done henna before, and am going to try it on my friend.”
In addition to providing materials, The Underground also offered informational flyers with background on henna and its cultural uses. This allowed students to learn about the traditional significance of the art form. “One of the most meaningful ways to appreciate a culture is by learning the stories and history behind its practices,” said Oka Morales ’28, a student-worker who helped set up Henna Night. “By sharing informational flyers about henna and its cultural background, we hoped to give our guests a deeper understanding of the significance of henna and recognize the heritage that it represents.”
Attendance fluctuated throughout the evening as students filtered in and out, often bringing friends or joining others. “There’s been a lot of people coming in and out,” said Ava Hills ’29. “I saw a bunch of people come in with it [henna], and I thought it looked cute so I got some friends and we came here [The Underground].”
The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming throughout the night with students chatting and comparing their designs while they dried. “It’s a mix between fun and laid-back. I’m not overwhelmed, and I’m not underwhelmed,” Hills said. Wurtzbacher also noted the comfortable environment, adding, “It’s just pretty laid-back. It’s kind of nice because we can just relax and hang out and enjoy the free popcorn.”
By 11 p.m., the last attendees left The Underground with designs drying on their hands, arms and even ankles. Organizers indicated that similar creative or cultural events may continue in the future. Morales said, “Thanks to its popularity, Henna Night is likely to make a return… we [The Underground staff] will start planning out our events for next semester, and Henna Night and events like it will be up to be considered.”
For more information on The Underground and the rest of the semester events, go to their instagram @theugwooster.