| While Mehndi or Henna has been popular in the States | | | | Large geometrically patterned angles are used. |
| for the last few years thanks to people like Demi | | | | While some sites will tell you that African Mehndi uses |
| Moore and Madonna, it began more then 5,000 years | | | | black henna, you need to know that there is no such |
| ago in the ancient cultures. | | | | thing as "Black Henna." Genuine Henna is either |
| The earliest record of henna being used was in | | | | reddish brown in color or orange. |
| Egypt, where the fingers and toes of the Pharaohs | | | | The so called Black Henna used in Africa is really |
| were stained just before they were mummified. We | | | | Indigo, but here in the states "Black" Henna has been |
| know of Mehndi because of the cultures and | | | | created by less then honest people adding black hair |
| traditions found in India and other Middle Eastern | | | | dye or black inks and possibly other "harmful" |
| cultures. | | | | ingredients. |
| You have seen Mehndi, the beautiful and intricate | | | | Much of the tradition and symbolism that surrounds |
| designs on the hands, feet, neck or arm. When this | | | | Mehndi has unfortunately been lost through the |
| artwork has passed you by, it made you stop and | | | | generations. There are some traditions though that |
| take a second look. But where did it come from and | | | | are still used today. |
| why do people adorn their bodies with masterpieces | | | | Mehndi is used in the Eastern places because they |
| that will simply fade away? | | | | believe in the magical and special medicinal properties |
| To understand why we first need to know that | | | | it has. For example Mehndi is used to help heal skin |
| Henna or Mehndi is a tall plant that resembles a shrub | | | | diseases, cool the skin in hot climates, and prevent |
| and grows in dry, hot climates like the Sudan, North | | | | hair from thinning. |
| Africa, India, Pakistan and countries of the Middle | | | | In Morocco, when a new home is purchased you will |
| East. | | | | find Mehndi art on the doors. Basically, the doors are |
| To get the dye, the leaves are taken and dried and | | | | painted with Mehndi to bring the home prosperity and |
| then ground into powder. Usually this powder is | | | | prevent evil from entering. Mehndi art is also used for |
| turned into paste and then applied to the skin. At | | | | celebrations of betrothals, circumcisions, births, and |
| first, the color of the stain it leaves is orange in color. | | | | religious holidays and national festivals. |
| However, within 24 hours that stain will turn a | | | | The art of Mehndi is not practiced in only one religion, |
| reddish-brown. | | | | but rather in multiple religions such as Christianity, |
| It has been a long standing tradition to use Mehndi as | | | | Islam, Hindu and Jews. |
| a way to decorate the body. Indian, Buddhist and | | | | It is also a custom in certain cultures that a bride |
| Hindu women would decorate the soles of their feet | | | | whose family has little money, will wear Mehndi in |
| and the palms of their hands on a daily basis. We also | | | | place of the jewels. As tradition goes, it is said that |
| know that widows would not wear the Mehndi as a | | | | the darker the Mehndi the bride wears the more her |
| sign of mourning. | | | | Mother in Law loves her. |
| There is a variation in the art of Mehndi from one | | | | A richly colored Mehndi design is a sign of good luck |
| country to the next. This variation depended on the | | | | for the new couple. Another interesting fact about |
| culture, religious traditions and ceremonies. And, it is all | | | | the art of Mehndi is that it is a common tradition to |
| these variations that helps us identify where the | | | | have the names of the bride and groom hidden in the |
| design originates from. | | | | Mehndi design and that in order for the wedding night |
| For the sake of clarity, there are three main | | | | to commence the groom must find his name. |
| traditions that are recognized, not including the | | | | The new bride is also not permitted to do any |
| current popular use for temporary henna tattoos. | | | | housework until the Mehndi art design has faded. |
| The first of those three traditions is Arabic Mehndi, | | | | Some of the popular designs for these occasions |
| coming form the Middle East. These patterns are | | | | include the lotus flower, the peacock which is the |
| usually large floral patterns that are done on the | | | | national bird of India and an elephant with a raised |
| hands and feet. | | | | trunk. |
| The second of these traditions comes from India, | | | | As you can see there is a rich tradition and significant |
| known as Asian Mehndi. This tradition uses more fine | | | | meaning to the art of Mehndi. There is more to the |
| line and lacey paisley or floral patterns. These | | | | design and the coloring then just eye catching |
| patterns are used to cover entire hands, feet, shins | | | | beauty. |
| and forearms. | | | | So the next time you think about having Mehndi art |
| Finally, our third tradition is what is known as African | | | | done, consider what it is you are trying to say or |
| Mehndi. This Mehndi art is large and bold in design. | | | | bring about. Enjoy the "magic" of Mehndi. |