ALGIERS, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has inscribed Henna on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Algeria's Ministry of Culture and Arts said Wednesday in a statement.

Algeria is committed to safeguarding this cultural element as part of its rich heritage, the statement said.

UNESCO's decision was made during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, taking place in Paraguay from Dec. 2 to 7.

The candidacy for Henna's recognition was supported by Algeria and more than a dozen others from the Arab world.

"Henna is a deciduous tree that grows in hot regions. Perceived as sacred by communities in Northern Africa and the Middle East, its leaves are harvested twice a year to create a paste," UNESCO said in the announcement of the inscription.

"Henna paste is commonly used by women for adornment. It is a symbol of joy and is used in everyday life and on festive occasions such as births and weddings. Its use is frequently accompanied by oral expressions and is linked to centuries-old societal rules and traditions," it said. Enditem

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