‘Mehndi' is a paste made from finely ground Henna leaves, this paste is traditionally meant to be applied to the hands and feet of a bride, it stains the skin like a tattoo albeit temporarily. Authentic henna leaves a rich auburn color and it is applied in intricate designs and patterns on the palms and top of the feet. Today henna does not remain exclusive to religious and ritualistic ceremonies; it is also adorned by people as artwork on various parts of the body, like the nape of the neck, lower back and upper arms, quite like temporary tattoos. 'Mehndi’ can be found in the history of many cultures in and around the Asian subcontinent, yet it remains integral to the social and cultural fabric of India.
Henna art is essential to the marriage ceremonies in India. Brides sit patiently for hours while artists work their magic. The patterns are lacy, geometric, floral or bold and each bride waits for this day as much as she does for her wedding day. The paste is kept on few hours, supplemented with a mixture of sugar and lime or mustard oil to deepen the color. It is then scraped or washed off. Many say the bride must not wet her hands after the dried paste is removed, the color gets richer overnight. And the richer the color the more love and acceptance the bride will receive in her new family. Henna does not remain exclusive to brides; it is applied on the hands of all the wedding guests including the men. The groom’s family have a henna ritual of their own and he proudly wears a pattern on his palm to express his joy and participate in the gaiety of the moment. Henna is considered auspicious and essential to the rituals of marriage in India, especially in the Northern region.
This art is passed down generations of mehndi’ artists and during wedding season, they are widely sought after community. They use plastic sheets wrapped into cones, filled with the henna paste and nipped at the tip, to squeeze and apply complex and elaborate designs. The traditional designs are ideas absorbed from nature, grand floral patterns and peacock tails are common to mehndi’ art.
The history associated with 'mehndi’ is varied. There has been a mention of henna art in ancient Indian text and it is believed to have been used for over 5000 years as a cosmetic product. Some historians believe henna was first used in North Africa and the Middle East and traveled to the South East of Asia along with trade and invasions. Wherever the concept of ‘mehndi’ art has been studied, the patterns that emerge from Indian culture are the most extraordinary.
Henna also has healing properties too; it is applied as salve to sores and cuts. Its natural composition is such that it cools the area it is applied to and many northern Indian states wear henna on the soles of their feet on hot summer days. Henna is used to dye hair; it leaves the same burgundy sheen on hair and also conditions the scalp. ‘Ayurveda’ uses henna as treatment for severe medical conditions related to the skin and digestion.
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