Mehndi

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Mehndi

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Mehndi is a form of body art originating from the Indian subcontinent, in which decorative designs are created on a person's body using a paste, created from the powdered dry leaves of the henna plant (Lawsonia inermis). Ancient in origin, mehndi is still a popular form of body art among the women of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, and is also popular among women in the Middle East and North Africa.

History

The use of mehndi and turmeric is described in the earliest Hindu Vedic ritual books. Haldi (staining oneself with turmeric paste) as well as mehndi are Vedic customs, intended to be a symbolic representation of the outer and the inner sun. Vedic customs are centered on the idea of "awakening the inner light".

Application

Mehndi is typically applied during special Hindu weddings and Hindu festivals like Karva Chauth, Vat Purnima, Diwali, Bhai Dooj, Teej, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. In Hindu festivals, many women have henna applied to their hands and feet. It is usually drawn on the palms and feet, where the color will be darkest because the skin contains higher levels of keratin which binds temporarily to lawsone, the colorant of henna.

Cultural Significance

In India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, the night before the wedding is dedicated to decorating the bride with mehndi. The event is known as the "mehndi night" and is often a grand celebration with music, dance, and traditional food. The designs are typically intricate and can take hours to apply. It is believed that the darker the mehndi, the deeper the love between the couple.

Patterns and Designs

Mehndi designs can vary significantly depending on the region and culture. Indian designs are known for their intricate patterns of paisley, floral, and geometric shapes. Arabic designs are usually less intricate and feature larger floral patterns. African designs are bold and large, often resembling tribal patterns.

Modern Usage

In recent years, mehndi has gained popularity in the Western world as a temporary form of skin decoration. It is often seen at music festivals, cultural events, and even as a form of self-expression similar to tattoos.

Related Pages

• Henna
• Body art
• Tattoo
• Indian culture
• Wedding traditions