ANCIENT | MEHNDI | BODY ART

MEHNDI: Henna Mehndi was originally used as a form of body decoration for the bride (and her bridal party). Traditionally the leaf from the henna plant was dried, and ground into powder. Now we can create our own Mehndi designs with purchased henna powder, and a Mehndi design template.

It's easy just mix the henna powder with water to form a paste. Add a bit of clove oil to make the paste creamy and smooth. Add lemon (or some other acidic liquid) to activate the dye molecules in the henna powder. Once the dye molecules are activated (2-5 minutes) use the paste to make designs on your skin.

When the dye molecules comes into contact with certin proteins in skin, hair, and nails it turns a reddish brown color, and that color is what you see in the designs. Allow the henna paste to dry throughly. The longer you leave the henna paste on - the more intense your design will be. The final color can last anywhere from two weeks - to several months (depending on the type of henna paste applied).

The Mehndi Ceremony Is One Of The Most important Pre-Wedding Rituals For The Bride. . .

Weddings in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are considered to be a sacred and sanctified ceremony. They are often long ritualistic and elaborate affairs with lots of pre-wedding, wedding, and post wedding ceremonies. The event generally has a celebratory festival feel to it, with the ladies eating sweets dancing, singing traditional songs, and wearing beautiful, vivid colors.

Mehndi Parties are a fun filled ritual, which is celebrated mainly by the bride's family. Different regions of the country celebrate the ritual in different ways according to their own marriage customs, rituals, and culture. Mehndi ceremonies take place all over the world. Birmingham (here in the UK) is a known hot spot for lavish Mehndi celebrations.

The Mehndi Party is mainly held at the bride's house or at a banquet hall on the eve of the marriage ceremony, or few days before the marriage. Generally the bride and groom attend the event together. A professional henna artist, or a relative applies intricate Mehndi designs to the bride’s hands and feet. Often hidden within the Mehndi pattern is the groom's name or initials.

Mehndi Designs are 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 "active" henna colorant.

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