Henna holds different meaning in different cultures. Indian designs consist of delicate paisley and floral prints, Arabic designs bolder with more negative space, and African designs are more geometric. In the Indian culture, designs like paisleys indicate fertility, where vines and leaves symbolize transcendence from Earth to the Heavens. Henna is used ceremonially in weddings, religious holidays and other important rites of passage. This is a great article about the significance of Henna in Indian culture, along with some background about the medium itself.