Art of Mehndi designs
The earliest record of henna being used was in Egypt, where the fingers and toes of the Pharaohs were stained just before they were mummified. We know of Mehndi because of the cultures and traditions found and other Middle Eastern cultures.
You have seen Mehndi, the beautiful and intricate designs on the hands, feet, neck or arm. When this artwork has passed you by, it made you stop and take a second look. But where did it come from and why do people adorn their bodies with masterpieces that will simply fade away?
To understand why we first need to know that Henna or Mehndi is a tall plant that resembles a shrub and grows in dry, hot climates like the Sudan, North Africa, India, Pakistan and countries of the Middle East.
To get the dye, the leaves are taken and dried and then ground into powder. Usually this powder is turned into paste and then applied to the skin. At first, the color of the stain it leaves is orange in color. However, within 24 hours that stain will turn a reddish-brown.
It has been a long standing tradition to use Mehndi as a way to decorate the body. Indian, Buddhist and Hindu women would decorate the soles of their feet and the palms of their hands on a daily basis. We also know that widows would not wear the traditioni as a sign of mourning.
There is a variation in the art of Mehndi from one country to the next. This variation depended on the culture, religious traditions and ceremonies. And, it is all these variations that helps us identify where the design originates from.For the sake of clarity, there are three main traditions that are recognized, not including the current popular use for temporary design originates . The first of those three traditions is Arabic Mehndi, coming form the Middle East. These patterns are usually large floral patterns that are done on the hands and feet.The second of these traditions comes from India, known as Asian Mehndi. This tradition uses more fine line and lacey paisley or floral patterns. These patterns are used to cover entire hands, feet, shins and forearms.
