MEHNDI: TRADITIONAL HENNA DECORATIONS

• Mehndi is the practice of applying henna as a temporary form of skin decoration, popular in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh as well as many Hindu and Muslim communities throughout the world.

• The use of henna decoratively is an ancient practice, with the earliest examples found on Egyptian mummies whose hair and nails were often stained red. Many ancient texts feature Mehndi art, and ancient fertility statuettes dating between 1500 and 500 BC have been found along the Mediterranean coastline with Mehndi decoration on the hands.

• Mehndi is typically applied, for religious and cultural reasons, during special occasions like weddings, before and after childbirth, and Muslim and Hindu Festivals. In India, the names of the bride and bridegroom are sometimes hidden in the designs.

• In different countries and regions, the application of Mehndi art is different. For example, in India, Mehndi designs tend to be small, lacy and intricate. In the Middle East, designs often feature floral patterns. In Africa they are bolder, larger, and more geometric.

• Popular symbols often incorporated into Mehndi designs are: the peacock (the national bird of India), the lotus flower (purity), and elephant (good luck).

• (source: The New World Encyclopedia)