It’s 2008. I’m ten years old. I have a henna cone in my hand and I’m not afraid to use it. I squeeze unrecognisable flowers onto the women, and I paint wonky footballs and messy rockets onto the boys.

In some cultures, henna designs are synonymous with celebration. The night before a major event like a wedding, it’s common practice to decorate hands — and sometimes even feet — with the popular ...