Mehendi is an ancient art of tattooing. It is a temporary tattoo that stains the surface of the skin with a reddish-brown dye. The colour of the Mehendi Tattoo will depend on the type of skin you apply it to and the length of time you leave the paste on for. The leaves from the Mehendi tree have been used for over centuries to enrich the beauty of the women. Also its medicinal properties cannot be forgotten.
Mehendi history
In the modern world of fashion Mehendi is very popularly know as ‘Henna’. The exact history of Henna is very difficult to track. It is believed that first it originated in Egypt. Five hundred years ago the mummies in Egypt were smeared with Mehendi and were kept in the pyramid, so that they would not decay. They believed that tattooing the body would please the gods and guarantee a pleasant trip. Later, the Arabs used the fragrance of henna as a beautifying cosmetic. Henna is one of the plants that are popularly grown in the Arab countries.
There is mention of Henna in ‘Quran’; it is recognised as ‘Kaafur‘ in the epic. It also happens to be a very good instigator. Even today, the western countries use it in the preparation of wine. In India, Henna is popularly known as Mehendi. In Karnataka it is called by different names. Some of them are ‘Goranti‘, ‘Korate‘, ‘Madarangi‘, ‘Honnuballi‘ and ‘Mardani‘. The botanical name of Henna is ‘Lawsonia Inermis‘. It belongs to the family of ‘Laithresi‘
Curative properties
Mehendi has a lot of medicinal values. Applying the paste of the stem and the leaves of this plant could cure jaundice. Its juice made of the leaves is used as blood purifier. It gives a cooling effect when applied on the body. Mehendi’s healing properties are well known. Herbal doctors recommend the use of Mehendi for certain ailments, such as dry skin, and to help the healing of cuts and scratches. It also acts as a hair conditioner when applied on the head and is also said to stop hair loss by strengthening the roots of the hair.
Today Mehendi is being used to enhance the beauty of hands, legs and the hair. In Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh bridal make-up is incomplete without Mehendi. Off late it’s being increasingly used in the southern parts of India too.
Dye for all occasions
Applying Mehendi is an art. They are safe, temporary, non-toxic and painless. It’s a Herculean task to create exquisite designs of Mehendi. It needs immense patience and practice. Henna is used at celebrations like weddings and other special occasions, which are traditionally associated with holiness. It is used for worship and work. It is traditional for the bride to get together with her friends and have them spend hours applying the Henna to her skin. The patterns used for weddings are much more complex and time consuming. Since it is the bride’s special day the design on her hand will be the most intricate one. Another tradition is that the groom’s name is hidden in the Henna and he has to search his name on the tattooed hands.
There are a huge number of Henna recipes. There are many types in Mehendi designs. The most popular ones are ‘Paktha‘ and ‘Arabic‘ and ‘Zardosi‘. In Zardosi, gold or silver is mixed with the paste. In the Arabic style, the designs are comparatively bold and thick. Some of them have slanting shapes, which look very graceful.
It’s cool ‘n’ fun
Mehendi is Mehendi, whatever style it may be of. The pleasure it gives after colouring cannot be explained. Applying Mehendi is considered beneficial and lucky, and always regarded as beautiful and blessed. That is perhaps why women are so fond of it.
Be the first to comment