Monday, October 20, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
TIPS FOR PREPARATION
Mehendi : Tips for preparation
Before you make a paste, you will need some good quality henna which you can find in an Indian or Middle Eastern store. There is no guarantee, however, that their henna has not been sitting on a shelf for a long time, slowly losing its power. Wherever you get your henna from, it should have a nice, bright green colour, and should have a nice, grassy, earthy aroma to it. If the colour of the henna is grayish or brownish, chances are it has been exposed to the air for too long or been exposed to sunlight. Your henna should always be stored in a cool, dry, preferably airtight container that does not let any light get in. This will keep it fresh until you need to use it again. You can find coloured henna paste in the market, but this henna has a lot of colourings added to it, and although it may actually have henna in the mixture, the henna's own colouring properties are overtaken by the coloured dyes that are in it. Do not think of using black henna, for it can actually leave a chemical burn and a scar behind.
Before you make a paste, you will need some good quality henna which you can find in an Indian or Middle Eastern store. There is no guarantee, however, that their henna has not been sitting on a shelf for a long time, slowly losing its power. Wherever you get your henna from, it should have a nice, bright green colour, and should have a nice, grassy, earthy aroma to it. If the colour of the henna is grayish or brownish, chances are it has been exposed to the air for too long or been exposed to sunlight. Your henna should always be stored in a cool, dry, preferably airtight container that does not let any light get in. This will keep it fresh until you need to use it again. You can find coloured henna paste in the market, but this henna has a lot of colourings added to it, and although it may actually have henna in the mixture, the henna's own colouring properties are overtaken by the coloured dyes that are in it. Do not think of using black henna, for it can actually leave a chemical burn and a scar behind.
MEHNDI PROCESS
Mehendi : PROCESS....
First the skin is gently cleansed using Rose Water. The Henna is then painted, or 'drawn' on using a small bottle with a very fine metal tip. After it initially dries, a light coat of Lemon Juice mixed with a bit of sugar is dabbed on the design. Depending on the setting, this may be done for you or you may be provided a small cotton nub soaked in the Lemon Juice mixture and you would apply it yourself. You can repeat this procedure of dampening the Henna with the Lemon and then letting it dry several times to aid in the staining process. If you don't, you'll still get a beautiful stain, it's just something extra you can do to help it along. You will be provided detailed instructions for getting the best possible results from your Mehendi. Generally speaking, You'll want to keep the paste on your skin as long as possible. Although you can get a nice stain after only leaving it on a short while, I encourage people to keep it on a minimum of 4 hours or up to 15 hours. Ideally, sleep with it on overnight. After you scrape (traditional method), or wash, (somewhat easier and not so messy), you should rub a little oil into the stain. Preferably a vegetable or olive oil. Depending on the occasion, you may be provided a special, oil soaked, cotton pad with your Mehendi Instructions. Your stain will continue to darken over the next 24 to 30 hours (after you remove the henna paste) so you want to limit any exposure to water during this time. When you awaken the morning following the removal of the Henna Paste you will see the beautifully darkened stain. Your stain will last anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks depending on your body chemistry, your lifestyle, the placement of your stain and how long you keep the Henna on your skin. As a general 'rule of thumb', the closer to the hands and feet, the darker the stain. The farther from the hands and feet, the lighter the resulting stain. Skin on the hands and feet is thicker and therefore the Henna is able to stain deeper than say, the neck. I generally discourage people from a placement like the back of the neck, but have on occasion had very good results with interesting designs down the ear and onto the side of the neck where there is less skin movement!
First the skin is gently cleansed using Rose Water. The Henna is then painted, or 'drawn' on using a small bottle with a very fine metal tip. After it initially dries, a light coat of Lemon Juice mixed with a bit of sugar is dabbed on the design. Depending on the setting, this may be done for you or you may be provided a small cotton nub soaked in the Lemon Juice mixture and you would apply it yourself. You can repeat this procedure of dampening the Henna with the Lemon and then letting it dry several times to aid in the staining process. If you don't, you'll still get a beautiful stain, it's just something extra you can do to help it along. You will be provided detailed instructions for getting the best possible results from your Mehendi. Generally speaking, You'll want to keep the paste on your skin as long as possible. Although you can get a nice stain after only leaving it on a short while, I encourage people to keep it on a minimum of 4 hours or up to 15 hours. Ideally, sleep with it on overnight. After you scrape (traditional method), or wash, (somewhat easier and not so messy), you should rub a little oil into the stain. Preferably a vegetable or olive oil. Depending on the occasion, you may be provided a special, oil soaked, cotton pad with your Mehendi Instructions. Your stain will continue to darken over the next 24 to 30 hours (after you remove the henna paste) so you want to limit any exposure to water during this time. When you awaken the morning following the removal of the Henna Paste you will see the beautifully darkened stain. Your stain will last anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks depending on your body chemistry, your lifestyle, the placement of your stain and how long you keep the Henna on your skin. As a general 'rule of thumb', the closer to the hands and feet, the darker the stain. The farther from the hands and feet, the lighter the resulting stain. Skin on the hands and feet is thicker and therefore the Henna is able to stain deeper than say, the neck. I generally discourage people from a placement like the back of the neck, but have on occasion had very good results with interesting designs down the ear and onto the side of the neck where there is less skin movement!
SUGAR AND LEMON JUICE FIXATIVE
Sugar and Lemon Juice Fixative
This mixture is the most common for dabbing on the damp paste to keep it moist and help secure it to your skin. I prefer to use the unrefined evaporated cane juice (Sucanet) or jaggery, but many people use white sugar. I also mix mine a bit sweeter than most people I have talked to.
What you will need:
2tbsp sugar (again, I used the cane juice or jaggery) 2tbsp lemon juice
Mix thoroughly until the sugar is all liquified in the juice.
I store the extra in the fridge until I need it again.
So far I haven't had any problems with it, and presently there is a 2 month old batch of this in my fridge.
I have begun purchasing the large bottle of lemon juice concentrate, and simmering cloves in the juice for a couple of hours.
I strain the lemon/clove juice back into the bottle and just keep in in my fridge until I need it.
This mixture is the most common for dabbing on the damp paste to keep it moist and help secure it to your skin. I prefer to use the unrefined evaporated cane juice (Sucanet) or jaggery, but many people use white sugar. I also mix mine a bit sweeter than most people I have talked to.
What you will need:
2tbsp sugar (again, I used the cane juice or jaggery) 2tbsp lemon juice
Mix thoroughly until the sugar is all liquified in the juice.
I store the extra in the fridge until I need it again.
So far I haven't had any problems with it, and presently there is a 2 month old batch of this in my fridge.
I have begun purchasing the large bottle of lemon juice concentrate, and simmering cloves in the juice for a couple of hours.
I strain the lemon/clove juice back into the bottle and just keep in in my fridge until I need it.
MEHNDI RECIPE
Another Mehendi Recipe
For one mehndi cone, which can cover two hands fully, I take 1 heaping teaspoonful of mehendi powder in a stainless steel container (although some people suggest a plastic, glass, or ceramic container), add a 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, a 1/2 teaspoon of tamarind paste, and as much lemon juice as I need, blending thoroughly. After getting out all of the lumps, I allow the paste to sit overnight, covered tightly (get out all air bubbles). Next day, I add a half-teaspoon of essential oil (I use both tea tree and eucalyptus) to my henna, and mix thoroughly. Next, I cover the container and allow at least five hours to pass. You'll know that the dye has released when the top part of the henna is brown and brown liquid is seeping out of the paste. The trick to making the paste is that you have to add the right amount of liquid such that the mehndi is neither too thick nor too thin. Generally, mix a 3:2 proportion of liquid to powder. A way to judge whether you have the right consistency for the paste is to take a spoonful of the mehndi paste, hold it over your container, seeing if the mehndi falls back gently back into the container. If it falls in a bit 'goopily,' the mehndi of the right consistency. Really good henna will fall in "strings." Having a paste of the correct viscosity for your application method is essential. Stringy and fine mehndi paste will allow you to create fine lines. Make sure that you keep extra liquid and extra mehndi powder to correct for any mistakes. Essentially, making mehndi paste takes practice in trail and error. Whatever you do, always be sure to remove any and all lumps from your henna paste; mixing the paste thoroughly is a crucial step to having a good quality and easy to use paste.
For one mehndi cone, which can cover two hands fully, I take 1 heaping teaspoonful of mehendi powder in a stainless steel container (although some people suggest a plastic, glass, or ceramic container), add a 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, a 1/2 teaspoon of tamarind paste, and as much lemon juice as I need, blending thoroughly. After getting out all of the lumps, I allow the paste to sit overnight, covered tightly (get out all air bubbles). Next day, I add a half-teaspoon of essential oil (I use both tea tree and eucalyptus) to my henna, and mix thoroughly. Next, I cover the container and allow at least five hours to pass. You'll know that the dye has released when the top part of the henna is brown and brown liquid is seeping out of the paste. The trick to making the paste is that you have to add the right amount of liquid such that the mehndi is neither too thick nor too thin. Generally, mix a 3:2 proportion of liquid to powder. A way to judge whether you have the right consistency for the paste is to take a spoonful of the mehndi paste, hold it over your container, seeing if the mehndi falls back gently back into the container. If it falls in a bit 'goopily,' the mehndi of the right consistency. Really good henna will fall in "strings." Having a paste of the correct viscosity for your application method is essential. Stringy and fine mehndi paste will allow you to create fine lines. Make sure that you keep extra liquid and extra mehndi powder to correct for any mistakes. Essentially, making mehndi paste takes practice in trail and error. Whatever you do, always be sure to remove any and all lumps from your henna paste; mixing the paste thoroughly is a crucial step to having a good quality and easy to use paste.
NEUTRAL HENNA
What is Neutral Henna?
Neutral henna, a green powder that smells like freshly cut grass, is neither henna nor neutral. It is Cassia obovata. Cassia obovata contains anthraquinones, particuarly Chrysophanic acid, a remarkable anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial. Cassia obovata doesn't color hair. It will help damaged hair, make hair full, glossy, healthy.
Neutral henna, a green powder that smells like freshly cut grass, is neither henna nor neutral. It is Cassia obovata. Cassia obovata contains anthraquinones, particuarly Chrysophanic acid, a remarkable anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial. Cassia obovata doesn't color hair. It will help damaged hair, make hair full, glossy, healthy.
RED HENNA
What is Red Henna?
Red henna, a green powder that smells like hay, is Lawsonia inermis, commonly known as henna. The leaves of the henna plant have a red-orange dye molecule, Lawsone, a napthaquinone. Henna will stain your hair red-orange; but this stain is translucent and will combine with your natural color. Body art quality henna has a much higher dye content than the henna usually sold for hair
Red henna, a green powder that smells like hay, is Lawsonia inermis, commonly known as henna. The leaves of the henna plant have a red-orange dye molecule, Lawsone, a napthaquinone. Henna will stain your hair red-orange; but this stain is translucent and will combine with your natural color. Body art quality henna has a much higher dye content than the henna usually sold for hair
BLACK HENNA-HEALTH ADVICE
What is Black Henna?
Black henna, a green powder that smells like frozen peas, is neither black nor henna. It is indigo, Indigofera tinctoriaMehendi, often referred to as henna tattoos, is done by applying a paste made of henna powder and lemon juice on skin. With the help of heat, moisture and time the paste leaves a reddish brown stain on skin, first light, then darkening during the next 24 hours. The method has been in use for hundreds of years.
Black Henna Warnings:
The henna powder is made by drying and grinding the leaves of a henna plant (lawsonia inermis). Pure, 100% henna always leaves a brown stain: the shade variates according to the quality of henna used, the ingridients of the paste and the methods used when applying, and sometimes the color can darken to almost black, but basically the colour is brown. All products claiming to be "Black Henna" have other ingridients than henna added in them. A chemical dye called Phenylenediamine, referred to as PPD, is often used to create a fast-taking, jetblack result. Unfortunately PPD is very harmful on skin, often causing a so-called chemical burn. This is much like a strong allergic reaction, many people get it and many don't, but I advice you not to take the risk. A black henna burn takes a long time to get better and often leaves a scar. Please stay away from these products and stick to pure henna. Allergic reactions to henna are very rare, it is safe to use and the result is beautiful. If you already have a black henna burn, please go to see a doctor as soon as possible to get treatment. If you are a henna artists, plase note that I shall not allow the commercial use of my designs for black henna users.
Advice:
Never use BLACK HENNANever use BLACK HENNA. Don't even go near it. A chemical called PPD, present in black henna, can cause chemical burns on your skin. Escaping an allergic reaction the first time you use black henna does not mean that you will have the same luck next time. Some artist/henna supplier listings here may use black henna. I have attempted to contact artists to learn whether they use black henna, and I appreciate your feedback on artists. However, ultimately it is up to you to find out whether artists use black henna or not. This task is not easy, but interviewing your artist carefully will help.Henna is NOT black. Henna does NOT cause blisters and open sores. PPD black hair dye CAN cause blisters and sores. This dolphin was done with PPD black hair dye, but the artist called it "Black Henna".There are several things marketed as "Black Henna", and some things believed to be "Black Henna". Some are very dangerous. Some are harmless. When para-phenylenediamine is used to make black temporary tattoos, often called “black henna”, it can cause blistering, open sores, scarring, and lifelong health problems.
Black henna, a green powder that smells like frozen peas, is neither black nor henna. It is indigo, Indigofera tinctoriaMehendi, often referred to as henna tattoos, is done by applying a paste made of henna powder and lemon juice on skin. With the help of heat, moisture and time the paste leaves a reddish brown stain on skin, first light, then darkening during the next 24 hours. The method has been in use for hundreds of years.
Black Henna Warnings:
The henna powder is made by drying and grinding the leaves of a henna plant (lawsonia inermis). Pure, 100% henna always leaves a brown stain: the shade variates according to the quality of henna used, the ingridients of the paste and the methods used when applying, and sometimes the color can darken to almost black, but basically the colour is brown. All products claiming to be "Black Henna" have other ingridients than henna added in them. A chemical dye called Phenylenediamine, referred to as PPD, is often used to create a fast-taking, jetblack result. Unfortunately PPD is very harmful on skin, often causing a so-called chemical burn. This is much like a strong allergic reaction, many people get it and many don't, but I advice you not to take the risk. A black henna burn takes a long time to get better and often leaves a scar. Please stay away from these products and stick to pure henna. Allergic reactions to henna are very rare, it is safe to use and the result is beautiful. If you already have a black henna burn, please go to see a doctor as soon as possible to get treatment. If you are a henna artists, plase note that I shall not allow the commercial use of my designs for black henna users.
Advice:
Never use BLACK HENNANever use BLACK HENNA. Don't even go near it. A chemical called PPD, present in black henna, can cause chemical burns on your skin. Escaping an allergic reaction the first time you use black henna does not mean that you will have the same luck next time. Some artist/henna supplier listings here may use black henna. I have attempted to contact artists to learn whether they use black henna, and I appreciate your feedback on artists. However, ultimately it is up to you to find out whether artists use black henna or not. This task is not easy, but interviewing your artist carefully will help.Henna is NOT black. Henna does NOT cause blisters and open sores. PPD black hair dye CAN cause blisters and sores. This dolphin was done with PPD black hair dye, but the artist called it "Black Henna".There are several things marketed as "Black Henna", and some things believed to be "Black Henna". Some are very dangerous. Some are harmless. When para-phenylenediamine is used to make black temporary tattoos, often called “black henna”, it can cause blistering, open sores, scarring, and lifelong health problems.
DOS AND DONTS
Mehendi Tips : Do's & Don'ts
Do's
Wash the area to be decorated with a good soap (one with a mud base) and water. Mehendi should be kept for 2-3 hours till it is fully dry. Scrape off the dry Mehendi and do not wash it with water for atleast 24 hours, to ensure maximum colour. Apply a mixture of lemon and sugar, atleast twice, to the dry area. After the tattoos are dried completely get some steam passing through cloves over the gas and apply Vicks for a good darkened color. When the Mehendi starts fading and appears patchy, it can be removed by applying cosmetic body bleach.
Dont's
Do not use an oily soap as this can prevent the color from setting properly After the tattoos are applied avoid washing the area with soap or water Avoid staying close to the air conditioner as it dries up the mehendi
Do's
Wash the area to be decorated with a good soap (one with a mud base) and water. Mehendi should be kept for 2-3 hours till it is fully dry. Scrape off the dry Mehendi and do not wash it with water for atleast 24 hours, to ensure maximum colour. Apply a mixture of lemon and sugar, atleast twice, to the dry area. After the tattoos are dried completely get some steam passing through cloves over the gas and apply Vicks for a good darkened color. When the Mehendi starts fading and appears patchy, it can be removed by applying cosmetic body bleach.
Dont's
Do not use an oily soap as this can prevent the color from setting properly After the tattoos are applied avoid washing the area with soap or water Avoid staying close to the air conditioner as it dries up the mehendi
MEHNDI SYMBOLISING LOVE AND TRADITIONS
Mehendi - Symbolising love and traditions
Fair hands decorated with mehendi have arrested the attention of lovers and inspired the poets for ages. The tiny green leaves of mehendi give a deep red colour when crushed while perfume is derived from its flowers.Mehendi is also an excellent conditioner for hair and used to colour premature grey hair. Mehendi has a cooling property and helps to cool the body in summers. The red colour of mehendi is a symbol of love. The darker the colour, deeper is the love of the maiden for her lover. Applying mehendi is an important ritual on Karva Chauth when married women in North India fast for the long life of their husbands.It’s in the intricate designs that take hours to create, the deep crimson colour, which shines clearly on the skin, the earthy aroma that fills the air. Fashion is a funny thing. It allows an age-old tradition to suddenly become trendy. Yes, it’s that time of the year again, when women make a beeline for the ones who have mastered the art of applying the cool, ethnic and hep, mehendi!Womenfolk are sprucing up, busy jamming the salons and queuing at mehendiwallahs. And why not when the marketing mantras are promising more than the moon!It is festivals like these that make mehendiwallahs wish that every day was Karva Chauth. It is the time when it becomes difficult to find a mehendiwallah who is free enough to decorate the hands of both married and unmarried women with intricate designs of fragrant henna.
Fair hands decorated with mehendi have arrested the attention of lovers and inspired the poets for ages. The tiny green leaves of mehendi give a deep red colour when crushed while perfume is derived from its flowers.Mehendi is also an excellent conditioner for hair and used to colour premature grey hair. Mehendi has a cooling property and helps to cool the body in summers. The red colour of mehendi is a symbol of love. The darker the colour, deeper is the love of the maiden for her lover. Applying mehendi is an important ritual on Karva Chauth when married women in North India fast for the long life of their husbands.It’s in the intricate designs that take hours to create, the deep crimson colour, which shines clearly on the skin, the earthy aroma that fills the air. Fashion is a funny thing. It allows an age-old tradition to suddenly become trendy. Yes, it’s that time of the year again, when women make a beeline for the ones who have mastered the art of applying the cool, ethnic and hep, mehendi!Womenfolk are sprucing up, busy jamming the salons and queuing at mehendiwallahs. And why not when the marketing mantras are promising more than the moon!It is festivals like these that make mehendiwallahs wish that every day was Karva Chauth. It is the time when it becomes difficult to find a mehendiwallah who is free enough to decorate the hands of both married and unmarried women with intricate designs of fragrant henna.
MEHNDI IN WEDDING
Mehndi - The Vital Ingredient in Any Wedding
A traditional Indian / Pakistani wedding is one that lasts for many days. We have perhaps the most flamboyant and colorful weddings, which in my opinion, are not matched by any other community or society in the world. Whereas the an average European wedding have no more than an average of 75 cards printed, we have an average of a whopping 300 cards per wedding per side. i.e. 300 from the brides side and 300 from the grooms side! (by the way the most cards we have printed for one wedding was 1250 cards! - from the boys side) And when we get married we do not usually invite just a handful of selected people, we invite everyone and in some cases anyone! Our weddings are not boring, as anyone who has ever attended an Indo/Pakistani will tell you, it is one big party, full of color song and dance, lasting over many days and in some cases weeks. The last four to five days leading up to the wedding day itself are all planned and organized with a whole array of activities on each of the evenings. We have many delightful and tasteful dishes on our menus preparation for which starts many days before the big day itself.Many of our wedding traditions have now been taken up by the European or Western communities, such the decorating the house with lights and decorations a few days before the wedding, elaborate decoration of the wedding vehicle, be it a limousine, a Rolls Royce or a horse-carriage, and of course not forgetting the application of Mehndi or Henna on the hands and feet, (and sometimes on many other place!) of all involved in the wedding. Mehndi is not synonymous with the Western wedding but is now huge business in the Western world with the likes of Maddona, Darryl Hanna, Prince and Demi Moore to name just a few who have been seen in public with Mehndi tattoos on parts of their anatomies...and guess where they got the idea from? Mehndi is a short-term tattoo, and not something you are lumbered with for the rest of your life, just because someone had dared you, or were perhaps drunk or thought it was a great idea at the time! This is a tattoo you can have as often as you like, wherever you like and it is totally safe, and only lasts for a few days. It is made of all natural ingredients so you can be sure of not getting any harmful or cancerous elements in your skin. The application of Mehndi in our culture is a sign of a joyous occasion, it is almost always used on celebratory occasions, such as Diwali, Eid, wedding, engagement and so on. I myself have tried, on a few occasions to dabble with Mehndi patterns, the best tattoo I have done is that of a heart on the back of my hand, and that's about it! But I am sure we all seen or know Mehndi artists who are totally brilliant. Many Mehndi artists are known to command fees from anywhere between 150 to 1500 USD just for one wedding. Not to mention the gifts such as sarees, jewelery, sweets and other gifts that they expect! The ultimate idea is to make the bride, who is about to start a new life away from her family, feel like a princess. Mehndi being applied at weddings used to be a small family affair with a handful of close family friends being invited to a small function at home a day or so before the wedding. But now it has gone public! It is not unusual to see a large hall being booked, with fancy floral arrangements, huge guest lists and four or five course meals, including a very loud (and sometimes annoying) DJ to entertain the guests. Mehndi traditionally used to be only applied to the bride but now the groom's side also insist that it be applied on the groom too (any excuse for a party).It is at these ceremonies where the bride and groom are fed (and sometimes force fed - but in all in good fun) with sweets or mithai, by almost all senior members present. As well as being a lavishly colorful cosmetic, Mehndi is also supposed to have many healing qualities, many herbal doctors still recommend the use of Mehndi for some ailments, such as dry skin and to hasten the healing of cuts and scratches. It also acts a hair conditioner when applied on the head and is also know said to stop hair loss by strengthening the roots of the hair. Mehndi is aledged to have been brought to India by the Mugals in 12 A.D. after it had been used for centuries in the Middle East and Africa. Some of the earliest documentation of Mehndi comes ancient Egypt, where it was used as a dye to stain the fingers and toes prior to mummification. Mehndi or henna comes in many different shades or colors, ranging from reddish orange to brown-black. Other colors available are usually artificially mixed and have dyes added to the natural henna, these usually do not last as long as natural Mehndi. Natural ones can last for anything between 1-2 weeks depending on the number of times the colored area is washed and on the body temperature. So if you need to get rid of the Mehndi quickly color wash the area often, and stay in hot temperature, as sweating will also increase its fading. Ready-made Mehndi is readily available from most shops in most countries, you can also buy ready made stencils to help you apply it. Usually professional Mehndi artists are hired to apply Mehndi, but it can be great fun for the whole family if you do it yourself. So here is a step by step method of making and applying henna: 1) Fill half a cup of natural ground henna powder. You can also add Tea, coffee, cloves, lemon and sugar to enhance the colors and give a deeper shade, which will stay on for much longer, but these are purely optional. 2) Add it to a bowl that will not stain. My advice is to use an empty margarine container (so even if it does stain it doesn't matter as you were going to throw it away anyway), the margarine container will also have a lid to help you store the mehndi and not let it dry so soon. 3) Add a small amount of boiling water to the bowl along with a few drops of Jasmin oil and mix until the paste it is similar in consistency as toothpaste. 4) Replace the lid on the container and allow the paste to settle for about 2-3 hours. 5) You can use almost anything to apply the mehndi, depending on the intricacy of your design, but the most commonly used are toothpicks. 6) About 3 hours is a decent length of time for allowing the mehndi paste to settle on your skin. 7) You can also apply lemon juice with sugar to keep the paste on your skin for longer and not let it flake away. 8) Once dried simply flake off the dried mehndi, but do not wash the applied area for at least 12 hours.
A traditional Indian / Pakistani wedding is one that lasts for many days. We have perhaps the most flamboyant and colorful weddings, which in my opinion, are not matched by any other community or society in the world. Whereas the an average European wedding have no more than an average of 75 cards printed, we have an average of a whopping 300 cards per wedding per side. i.e. 300 from the brides side and 300 from the grooms side! (by the way the most cards we have printed for one wedding was 1250 cards! - from the boys side) And when we get married we do not usually invite just a handful of selected people, we invite everyone and in some cases anyone! Our weddings are not boring, as anyone who has ever attended an Indo/Pakistani will tell you, it is one big party, full of color song and dance, lasting over many days and in some cases weeks. The last four to five days leading up to the wedding day itself are all planned and organized with a whole array of activities on each of the evenings. We have many delightful and tasteful dishes on our menus preparation for which starts many days before the big day itself.Many of our wedding traditions have now been taken up by the European or Western communities, such the decorating the house with lights and decorations a few days before the wedding, elaborate decoration of the wedding vehicle, be it a limousine, a Rolls Royce or a horse-carriage, and of course not forgetting the application of Mehndi or Henna on the hands and feet, (and sometimes on many other place!) of all involved in the wedding. Mehndi is not synonymous with the Western wedding but is now huge business in the Western world with the likes of Maddona, Darryl Hanna, Prince and Demi Moore to name just a few who have been seen in public with Mehndi tattoos on parts of their anatomies...and guess where they got the idea from? Mehndi is a short-term tattoo, and not something you are lumbered with for the rest of your life, just because someone had dared you, or were perhaps drunk or thought it was a great idea at the time! This is a tattoo you can have as often as you like, wherever you like and it is totally safe, and only lasts for a few days. It is made of all natural ingredients so you can be sure of not getting any harmful or cancerous elements in your skin. The application of Mehndi in our culture is a sign of a joyous occasion, it is almost always used on celebratory occasions, such as Diwali, Eid, wedding, engagement and so on. I myself have tried, on a few occasions to dabble with Mehndi patterns, the best tattoo I have done is that of a heart on the back of my hand, and that's about it! But I am sure we all seen or know Mehndi artists who are totally brilliant. Many Mehndi artists are known to command fees from anywhere between 150 to 1500 USD just for one wedding. Not to mention the gifts such as sarees, jewelery, sweets and other gifts that they expect! The ultimate idea is to make the bride, who is about to start a new life away from her family, feel like a princess. Mehndi being applied at weddings used to be a small family affair with a handful of close family friends being invited to a small function at home a day or so before the wedding. But now it has gone public! It is not unusual to see a large hall being booked, with fancy floral arrangements, huge guest lists and four or five course meals, including a very loud (and sometimes annoying) DJ to entertain the guests. Mehndi traditionally used to be only applied to the bride but now the groom's side also insist that it be applied on the groom too (any excuse for a party).It is at these ceremonies where the bride and groom are fed (and sometimes force fed - but in all in good fun) with sweets or mithai, by almost all senior members present. As well as being a lavishly colorful cosmetic, Mehndi is also supposed to have many healing qualities, many herbal doctors still recommend the use of Mehndi for some ailments, such as dry skin and to hasten the healing of cuts and scratches. It also acts a hair conditioner when applied on the head and is also know said to stop hair loss by strengthening the roots of the hair. Mehndi is aledged to have been brought to India by the Mugals in 12 A.D. after it had been used for centuries in the Middle East and Africa. Some of the earliest documentation of Mehndi comes ancient Egypt, where it was used as a dye to stain the fingers and toes prior to mummification. Mehndi or henna comes in many different shades or colors, ranging from reddish orange to brown-black. Other colors available are usually artificially mixed and have dyes added to the natural henna, these usually do not last as long as natural Mehndi. Natural ones can last for anything between 1-2 weeks depending on the number of times the colored area is washed and on the body temperature. So if you need to get rid of the Mehndi quickly color wash the area often, and stay in hot temperature, as sweating will also increase its fading. Ready-made Mehndi is readily available from most shops in most countries, you can also buy ready made stencils to help you apply it. Usually professional Mehndi artists are hired to apply Mehndi, but it can be great fun for the whole family if you do it yourself. So here is a step by step method of making and applying henna: 1) Fill half a cup of natural ground henna powder. You can also add Tea, coffee, cloves, lemon and sugar to enhance the colors and give a deeper shade, which will stay on for much longer, but these are purely optional. 2) Add it to a bowl that will not stain. My advice is to use an empty margarine container (so even if it does stain it doesn't matter as you were going to throw it away anyway), the margarine container will also have a lid to help you store the mehndi and not let it dry so soon. 3) Add a small amount of boiling water to the bowl along with a few drops of Jasmin oil and mix until the paste it is similar in consistency as toothpaste. 4) Replace the lid on the container and allow the paste to settle for about 2-3 hours. 5) You can use almost anything to apply the mehndi, depending on the intricacy of your design, but the most commonly used are toothpicks. 6) About 3 hours is a decent length of time for allowing the mehndi paste to settle on your skin. 7) You can also apply lemon juice with sugar to keep the paste on your skin for longer and not let it flake away. 8) Once dried simply flake off the dried mehndi, but do not wash the applied area for at least 12 hours.
MEDICINAL USES
Medicinal Uses
Henna is considered as an ancient herb of grace and healing. It is mentioned as a valuable medicine in Egyptian hieroglyphs. When Henna is applied to the skin, its active elements provide cooling and astringent action along with protection against many surface fungi and bacteria. Henna can help to lower body temperature to soothe headaches, fevers, burning feet (which may be a B- Vitamin deficiency), and even hysteria or a violent temper.Following are the most common medicinal uses of Henna.
Headache Remedy
In addition to the relaxing and cooling properties of the henna seeds, anise seeds are also a good antispasmodic.1 tablespoon (15 gm) henna seeds, outer shells cracked and inner seeds ground1 tablespoon (15 gm) black anise (Pimpinella anisum) seeds, crushed Boiled, cooled water or apple cider vinegar1 gauze compress1. Using a mortar and pestle, pound and grind together the henna and black anise seeds. Add just enough water or vinegar to make a paste.2. Spread the paste onto a gauze compress. Apply the compress to the head, lay down to rest for 15 to 30 minutes.
Irritated skin balm
Lawsome may be the ingredient in henna that serves as an antiseptic, bactericide, and fungicide. This remedy will not stain the skin.2-3 tablespoon (10-15 gm) neutral, uncoloured henna powder4-5 ounces (130 ml) apple cider vinegar, warmed1. Mix henna powder with warm vinegar to form a paste.2. Apply as a dressing directly to the affected area of skin.Scalp TreatmentTo increase hair growth and reduce hair loss.
1 tablespon (15 ml) henna flower oil1 tablespon (15 ml) jojoba extract1 tablespon (15 ml) calendula infused oil? tablespoon (2.5 ml) carrot seed oil2 drops essential oil of clove bud4 drops of essential oil of rosemary5 drops East Indian essential oil of patchouli2 drops essential oil of cedarwood1. In a 2-to-3-ounce (60-95 ml) opaque bottle, combine henna, jojoba, calendula, and carrot seed oils. Add essential oils and shake to mix. Label and date.2. If desired, warm the bottle of oil in a warn water bath before using. Massage a few drops into scalp before bedtime. Apply two or three times a week.
Nail- conditioningTreatment
Here's an easy, low-cost routine. Remove existing nail polish a day or two before the treatment. Remember to stir the paste each time.? cup (130 ml) boiled spring -or distilled water, cooled to warm? teaspoon (2.5 g) uncolored, neutral henna powder1 teaspoon (5 ml) plain organic yogurt (optional)2-3 drops eucalyptus oil (optional)1. In a plastic or glass bowl, mix neutral henna and water to form a paste. Store leftover mixture in a sealed container in refrigerator for 2-3 days only.2. Using a chopstick or flat-edged toothpick, globe the henna paste on each of your clean, dry nails and cuticles. Keep the paste for 10 minutes. If you have time, put both hands in a plastic bag and cover with a towel for as long as possible.3. Rinse your fingers in lukewarm water and towel-dry. Gently buff the nails with a chamois nail buffer. Then coat your nails with deep, penetrating avocado, almond, or calendula oil.
Henna is considered as an ancient herb of grace and healing. It is mentioned as a valuable medicine in Egyptian hieroglyphs. When Henna is applied to the skin, its active elements provide cooling and astringent action along with protection against many surface fungi and bacteria. Henna can help to lower body temperature to soothe headaches, fevers, burning feet (which may be a B- Vitamin deficiency), and even hysteria or a violent temper.Following are the most common medicinal uses of Henna.
Headache Remedy
In addition to the relaxing and cooling properties of the henna seeds, anise seeds are also a good antispasmodic.1 tablespoon (15 gm) henna seeds, outer shells cracked and inner seeds ground1 tablespoon (15 gm) black anise (Pimpinella anisum) seeds, crushed Boiled, cooled water or apple cider vinegar1 gauze compress1. Using a mortar and pestle, pound and grind together the henna and black anise seeds. Add just enough water or vinegar to make a paste.2. Spread the paste onto a gauze compress. Apply the compress to the head, lay down to rest for 15 to 30 minutes.
Irritated skin balm
Lawsome may be the ingredient in henna that serves as an antiseptic, bactericide, and fungicide. This remedy will not stain the skin.2-3 tablespoon (10-15 gm) neutral, uncoloured henna powder4-5 ounces (130 ml) apple cider vinegar, warmed1. Mix henna powder with warm vinegar to form a paste.2. Apply as a dressing directly to the affected area of skin.Scalp TreatmentTo increase hair growth and reduce hair loss.
1 tablespon (15 ml) henna flower oil1 tablespon (15 ml) jojoba extract1 tablespon (15 ml) calendula infused oil? tablespoon (2.5 ml) carrot seed oil2 drops essential oil of clove bud4 drops of essential oil of rosemary5 drops East Indian essential oil of patchouli2 drops essential oil of cedarwood1. In a 2-to-3-ounce (60-95 ml) opaque bottle, combine henna, jojoba, calendula, and carrot seed oils. Add essential oils and shake to mix. Label and date.2. If desired, warm the bottle of oil in a warn water bath before using. Massage a few drops into scalp before bedtime. Apply two or three times a week.
Nail- conditioningTreatment
Here's an easy, low-cost routine. Remove existing nail polish a day or two before the treatment. Remember to stir the paste each time.? cup (130 ml) boiled spring -or distilled water, cooled to warm? teaspoon (2.5 g) uncolored, neutral henna powder1 teaspoon (5 ml) plain organic yogurt (optional)2-3 drops eucalyptus oil (optional)1. In a plastic or glass bowl, mix neutral henna and water to form a paste. Store leftover mixture in a sealed container in refrigerator for 2-3 days only.2. Using a chopstick or flat-edged toothpick, globe the henna paste on each of your clean, dry nails and cuticles. Keep the paste for 10 minutes. If you have time, put both hands in a plastic bag and cover with a towel for as long as possible.3. Rinse your fingers in lukewarm water and towel-dry. Gently buff the nails with a chamois nail buffer. Then coat your nails with deep, penetrating avocado, almond, or calendula oil.
MEHNDI IN WEST
Mehendi in the West
The introduction of Mehendi into Euro-American culture is a recent phenomenon. Today Mehendi, as trendy alternative to tattoos, is an in-thing in the West. Hollywood actors and celebrities have made this painless art of body painting famous. Actress Demi Moore, and 'No Doubt' crooner Gwen Stefani were among the first to sport Mehendi. Since then stars like Madonna, Drew Barrymore, Naomi Campbell, Liv Tyler, Nell McAndrew, Mira Sorvino, Daryl Hannah, Angela Bassett, Laura Dern, Laurence Fishburne, and Kathleen Robertson have all tried Henna tattoos, the great Indian way. Glossies, like Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar, Wedding Bells, People and Cosmopolitan have spread the Mehendi trend even further.
The introduction of Mehendi into Euro-American culture is a recent phenomenon. Today Mehendi, as trendy alternative to tattoos, is an in-thing in the West. Hollywood actors and celebrities have made this painless art of body painting famous. Actress Demi Moore, and 'No Doubt' crooner Gwen Stefani were among the first to sport Mehendi. Since then stars like Madonna, Drew Barrymore, Naomi Campbell, Liv Tyler, Nell McAndrew, Mira Sorvino, Daryl Hannah, Angela Bassett, Laura Dern, Laurence Fishburne, and Kathleen Robertson have all tried Henna tattoos, the great Indian way. Glossies, like Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar, Wedding Bells, People and Cosmopolitan have spread the Mehendi trend even further.
REINVENTING MEHNDI
Reinventing mehndi for body art
Henna art centres are promoting the use of mehndi as body adornment. The current craze for body painting among the urban youth has suddenly revived interest in mehndi — the natural and pain-free art of decorating the hands and feet with henna on ceremonial occasions. Today, it has taken the place of tattoos and the many harmful chemical applications for colouring the skin.Consequently, mehndi is no longer applied only on the hands and feet. Nor is it restricted to weddings and festivals. Professional henna artists are offering designs for different parts of the body and for all occasion. Besides, readymade henna stickers and pattern blocks are available at every street corner.This resurgence of interest in what is patently a time-honoured custom in most Indian homes is often attributed to Hollywood celebrities like Demi Moore and Madonna. To them, it is said, goes the credit of making mehndi a fashion statement in the West.As Preeti Sinha, a henna artist puts it: “Like many things traditionally Indian, mehndi art is being re-imported only after the West had approved it. Young women are increasingly taking to it because it is fashionable overseas, little realising that our mothers and grandmothers loved it in their time.”“I couldn’t care if mehndi is making a fashion statement now,” comments Ira Gujral, a well-known choreographer. “All I know is that is has always been part of my culture and tradition. I will indulge in it whenever it suits me, regardless of the occasion.”What, however, escapes that people is that mehndi is not Indian in origin, but draws upon a tradition that was adopted them north Africa. Almost 5000 years ago, the Egyptians discovered that paste from the henna plant had preservative properties and hence, was applied to the hands and toes of dead Pharaohs as part of the mummification ritual.In Arabia, henna enjoyed religious sanction and even today, Muslims believe that its application is sunnah (a meritorious act). This explains why conservative Muslim women wear mehndi on their hands, feet and hair right through the year.Mehndi reached India with the Arab invaders and became popular in northern states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Gujarat. But then, its use was purely utilitarian as the paste is supposed to keep the hands and feet cool. Only later, women began experimenting with different patterns and an art was born.“You will find African, Arabic and Middle Eastern influences in mehndi patterns,” Sinha points out. “While in countries like Morocco and Egypt, mehndi is applied in a geometric fashion, the Arabs prefer bold floral motifs, leaving bare space in the centre of the palm.”Adds Revati Khanna, another henna artist: “Arabs like black mehndi, which is why they heat the paste before applying, to darken the colour. The impression is, however, not jet black, but rather brownish-black, unlike the Indian variety, which is reddish brown.”Indian mehndi styles are also distinctive for their intricate filigree-like work, which can completely cover the hands and wrists, often going right up to the elbow. On the legs it adorns the feet, the ankles and sometimes reaches up to the knees.“There are many variations to traditional designs that have come up over the years,” Khanna points out. “Today, we have Rajasthani, designer, western and classical mehndi patterns... These may look the same to a lay person, but a discerning eye can spot the difference between them.”“They look the same because they are the intricate,” explains Sinha. “Traditional patterns use a lot of floral and avian motifs, whereas modern designs combine geometric patterns and are usually abstract. The choice of flowers and birds is also a way to differentiate between styles.”Cones are convenient tools for creating new patterns, just as paper stencils are available for instant application. Ready-made henna blocks, which can be pressed on any part of the body, are also major time savers for those in a hurry.Henna art centres and parlours are also offering specially developed shades, ranging from bright red to deep brown, for appropriate highlights and outlining of patterns. Some are even experimenting with silver and gold powders for added effect. But then, these are known to last only till the first wash! MF
Henna art centres are promoting the use of mehndi as body adornment. The current craze for body painting among the urban youth has suddenly revived interest in mehndi — the natural and pain-free art of decorating the hands and feet with henna on ceremonial occasions. Today, it has taken the place of tattoos and the many harmful chemical applications for colouring the skin.Consequently, mehndi is no longer applied only on the hands and feet. Nor is it restricted to weddings and festivals. Professional henna artists are offering designs for different parts of the body and for all occasion. Besides, readymade henna stickers and pattern blocks are available at every street corner.This resurgence of interest in what is patently a time-honoured custom in most Indian homes is often attributed to Hollywood celebrities like Demi Moore and Madonna. To them, it is said, goes the credit of making mehndi a fashion statement in the West.As Preeti Sinha, a henna artist puts it: “Like many things traditionally Indian, mehndi art is being re-imported only after the West had approved it. Young women are increasingly taking to it because it is fashionable overseas, little realising that our mothers and grandmothers loved it in their time.”“I couldn’t care if mehndi is making a fashion statement now,” comments Ira Gujral, a well-known choreographer. “All I know is that is has always been part of my culture and tradition. I will indulge in it whenever it suits me, regardless of the occasion.”What, however, escapes that people is that mehndi is not Indian in origin, but draws upon a tradition that was adopted them north Africa. Almost 5000 years ago, the Egyptians discovered that paste from the henna plant had preservative properties and hence, was applied to the hands and toes of dead Pharaohs as part of the mummification ritual.In Arabia, henna enjoyed religious sanction and even today, Muslims believe that its application is sunnah (a meritorious act). This explains why conservative Muslim women wear mehndi on their hands, feet and hair right through the year.Mehndi reached India with the Arab invaders and became popular in northern states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Gujarat. But then, its use was purely utilitarian as the paste is supposed to keep the hands and feet cool. Only later, women began experimenting with different patterns and an art was born.“You will find African, Arabic and Middle Eastern influences in mehndi patterns,” Sinha points out. “While in countries like Morocco and Egypt, mehndi is applied in a geometric fashion, the Arabs prefer bold floral motifs, leaving bare space in the centre of the palm.”Adds Revati Khanna, another henna artist: “Arabs like black mehndi, which is why they heat the paste before applying, to darken the colour. The impression is, however, not jet black, but rather brownish-black, unlike the Indian variety, which is reddish brown.”Indian mehndi styles are also distinctive for their intricate filigree-like work, which can completely cover the hands and wrists, often going right up to the elbow. On the legs it adorns the feet, the ankles and sometimes reaches up to the knees.“There are many variations to traditional designs that have come up over the years,” Khanna points out. “Today, we have Rajasthani, designer, western and classical mehndi patterns... These may look the same to a lay person, but a discerning eye can spot the difference between them.”“They look the same because they are the intricate,” explains Sinha. “Traditional patterns use a lot of floral and avian motifs, whereas modern designs combine geometric patterns and are usually abstract. The choice of flowers and birds is also a way to differentiate between styles.”Cones are convenient tools for creating new patterns, just as paper stencils are available for instant application. Ready-made henna blocks, which can be pressed on any part of the body, are also major time savers for those in a hurry.Henna art centres and parlours are also offering specially developed shades, ranging from bright red to deep brown, for appropriate highlights and outlining of patterns. Some are even experimenting with silver and gold powders for added effect. But then, these are known to last only till the first wash! MF
INDIAN BODY PAINTING IN AMERICA
Indian body painting catching on in AmericaKnight-Ridder
The ancients of India knew a thing or two about body ornament. No dark and aggressive tattoos for them, thank you. Traditional Indian enhancement is based on pretty and voluptuous painted swirls on hands and feet, and today's trendies are jumping on the idea.Mehndi, as the 5,000-year-old art of body painting is called, is gaining adherents from Hollywood to Parkville. Demi Moore, Mira Sorvino, Naomi Campbell, the artist formerly known as Prince and his consort Mayte have appeared at star galas with henna-painted body parts. At Usha Gupta's salon on Harford Road, the clientele is not as flashy, but enthusiastic.Gupta, who was trained in the refinements of this ancient beauty service in India, has been a practitioner for 20 years. She has always had regular Indian clients, but recently the young and hip have started booking appointments for body paint.''In India, mehndi is worn for celebrations and auspicious occasions such as weddings,'' says Gupta, ''but here the young people do it for fun.''On a recent morning at the salon, a gaggle of young women were waiting their turn to be painted. The painting medium is a henna paste that is squeezed onto the skin with an applicator that looks like a small pastry tube. The dark squiggles and scrolls are left on the skin to allow the design to set, usually overnight. When the dried paste is flaked away, it leaves a stained skin pattern of red tints that can range from orange to deep red.The result looks like tattooing, but the experience is painless and pleasant and the effects temporary.Danielle Finnerman, a sophomore at the Maryland Institute, was there for a floral garland to accent her navel - a special effect for a weekend at the ocean. ''I know a lot of people who are getting tattoos, but I think they'll regret it 15 years from now. I think about the work world years ahead, and with tattoos there is only so much slack I could expect, even as an artist,'' she says.Designs can be original or chosen from a book of ancient patterns. Young people seem to have an affinity for the old designs, says Gupta, but they are wearing them in untraditional ways. She has painted stomachs, backs, circlets around the neck, arm or ankle and even full scalp designs on shaved heads.That's where the Western way with mehndi differs from its origins. Today's fashionables are after a look to flaunt; the Eastern way is based on ceremony and intimacy.Henna paint is an herbal compound and there are no known reactions. Application can take as little as minutes for a small anklet pattern or up to hours for the full works on palms and feet.
The ancients of India knew a thing or two about body ornament. No dark and aggressive tattoos for them, thank you. Traditional Indian enhancement is based on pretty and voluptuous painted swirls on hands and feet, and today's trendies are jumping on the idea.Mehndi, as the 5,000-year-old art of body painting is called, is gaining adherents from Hollywood to Parkville. Demi Moore, Mira Sorvino, Naomi Campbell, the artist formerly known as Prince and his consort Mayte have appeared at star galas with henna-painted body parts. At Usha Gupta's salon on Harford Road, the clientele is not as flashy, but enthusiastic.Gupta, who was trained in the refinements of this ancient beauty service in India, has been a practitioner for 20 years. She has always had regular Indian clients, but recently the young and hip have started booking appointments for body paint.''In India, mehndi is worn for celebrations and auspicious occasions such as weddings,'' says Gupta, ''but here the young people do it for fun.''On a recent morning at the salon, a gaggle of young women were waiting their turn to be painted. The painting medium is a henna paste that is squeezed onto the skin with an applicator that looks like a small pastry tube. The dark squiggles and scrolls are left on the skin to allow the design to set, usually overnight. When the dried paste is flaked away, it leaves a stained skin pattern of red tints that can range from orange to deep red.The result looks like tattooing, but the experience is painless and pleasant and the effects temporary.Danielle Finnerman, a sophomore at the Maryland Institute, was there for a floral garland to accent her navel - a special effect for a weekend at the ocean. ''I know a lot of people who are getting tattoos, but I think they'll regret it 15 years from now. I think about the work world years ahead, and with tattoos there is only so much slack I could expect, even as an artist,'' she says.Designs can be original or chosen from a book of ancient patterns. Young people seem to have an affinity for the old designs, says Gupta, but they are wearing them in untraditional ways. She has painted stomachs, backs, circlets around the neck, arm or ankle and even full scalp designs on shaved heads.That's where the Western way with mehndi differs from its origins. Today's fashionables are after a look to flaunt; the Eastern way is based on ceremony and intimacy.Henna paint is an herbal compound and there are no known reactions. Application can take as little as minutes for a small anklet pattern or up to hours for the full works on palms and feet.
THE ART OF MEHNDI
The art of Mehndi:
The wedding season is on! Indian weddings are noisy colorful family get-togethers, which wouldn't be complete without certain things - the religious ceremonies, the feast for the guests, and of course, the beautiful mehndi designs adorning the hands and feet of the bride and her friends. Read about mehndi, the ancient Indian body art that's reinvented itself as a modern fashion accessory.
Mehndi:
It's safe and painless since it does not require the skin to be pierced. It's completely natural and non-toxic. It's fun, exotic, beautiful, and as simple or complicated as you want it to be. It can last for a couple of days or as long as a month. It's a 5000 year old tradition and a modern craze. It was used by our grandmothers and their grandmothers and their grandmothers ... but our daughters and granddaughters also think it's "cool". It goes by the name of mehndi, and it's the ancient Indian art of adorning the hands and feet with intricate designs and patterns, using a paste made from the finely ground leaves of the henna plant.
The term refers to the powder and paste, the design on the skin, as well as the party or ceremony. It originated in Egypt and in Middle Eastern countries during ancient times and it slowly spread to India and other hot climates like Malaysia, Persia, Syria, Morocco, Sudan and North Africa.
How it works:
The leaves, flowers, and twigs of the henna plant are ground into a fine powder, then mixed with hot water. This paste is traced in a design on the desired body part in much the same way as lettering is traced on a cake with an icing cone. A solution of lemon juice and sugar is applied to the drying mehndi to "set it" and bring out its lustrous texture. The dried paste is scraped off, leaving behind a reddish-brown stain or temporary tattoo. The color and longevity of this tattoo will depend on how long you leave the paste on the skin (the longer you leave the paste on the darker the stain). For best results (the tattoo lasts for as long as three weeks), let the mehndi dry for 7 to 10 hours. Different shades can be obtained by mixing in various things like indigo, tea, coffee, cloves, tamarind, lemon, sugar, and various oils. For convenience, mehndi is readily available as packs or cones, and design stencils are also obtainable off the shelf.
An ancient wedding tradition:From times immemorial, Indian women have used mehndi in celebrations of betrothals, weddings, festivals and other occasions. A bride whose family has little money wears her mehndi in place of ornate gold jewellery. A bride is not expected to perform any housework until her wedding mehndi has faded. A mehndi party is held at the home of the bride the night before the wedding and only women from the bride's side get to attend. The evening is spent applying mehndi designs to the bride's hands and feet (and anywhere else)!
Indian mehndi designs use reddish-brown mehndi and fine lines, lacy or floral patterns as opposed to the large, floral patterns of Arabic designs, and large, bold geometrically-patterned black henna angles of African mehndi art. They often incorporate the peacock (India's national bird), the lotus flower (India's national flower), and an elephant with a raised trunk (a symbol of good luck).
A unisex craze:
In recent times, mehndi has enjoyed both a revival and a renewal. Actress Demi Moore was among the first celebrities to be seen wearing mehndi. Madonna created quite a stir at the MTV awards function, when she turned up with mehndi all over her body. The adoption of mehndi magic by Western models, musicians, and movie stars (including Naomi Campbell and Drew Barrymore) has led to mehndi tattoos becoming a white-hot fashion trend. Now it is not just hands and feet that are adorned, but also the arms, neck, back and navel. The magic is no longer confined to just women - men sport mehndi tattoos too. The traditional reddish-brown color has been enhanced by a variety of shades (contrasts of black, red and maroon) and glitters (highlights of gold, silver or copper). Best of all, no longer is mehndi reserved for occasions like weddings - it's worn to a Valentine's Day bash, a formal party or even an evening at the disco!
The wedding season is on! Indian weddings are noisy colorful family get-togethers, which wouldn't be complete without certain things - the religious ceremonies, the feast for the guests, and of course, the beautiful mehndi designs adorning the hands and feet of the bride and her friends. Read about mehndi, the ancient Indian body art that's reinvented itself as a modern fashion accessory.
Mehndi:
It's safe and painless since it does not require the skin to be pierced. It's completely natural and non-toxic. It's fun, exotic, beautiful, and as simple or complicated as you want it to be. It can last for a couple of days or as long as a month. It's a 5000 year old tradition and a modern craze. It was used by our grandmothers and their grandmothers and their grandmothers ... but our daughters and granddaughters also think it's "cool". It goes by the name of mehndi, and it's the ancient Indian art of adorning the hands and feet with intricate designs and patterns, using a paste made from the finely ground leaves of the henna plant.
The term refers to the powder and paste, the design on the skin, as well as the party or ceremony. It originated in Egypt and in Middle Eastern countries during ancient times and it slowly spread to India and other hot climates like Malaysia, Persia, Syria, Morocco, Sudan and North Africa.
How it works:
The leaves, flowers, and twigs of the henna plant are ground into a fine powder, then mixed with hot water. This paste is traced in a design on the desired body part in much the same way as lettering is traced on a cake with an icing cone. A solution of lemon juice and sugar is applied to the drying mehndi to "set it" and bring out its lustrous texture. The dried paste is scraped off, leaving behind a reddish-brown stain or temporary tattoo. The color and longevity of this tattoo will depend on how long you leave the paste on the skin (the longer you leave the paste on the darker the stain). For best results (the tattoo lasts for as long as three weeks), let the mehndi dry for 7 to 10 hours. Different shades can be obtained by mixing in various things like indigo, tea, coffee, cloves, tamarind, lemon, sugar, and various oils. For convenience, mehndi is readily available as packs or cones, and design stencils are also obtainable off the shelf.
An ancient wedding tradition:From times immemorial, Indian women have used mehndi in celebrations of betrothals, weddings, festivals and other occasions. A bride whose family has little money wears her mehndi in place of ornate gold jewellery. A bride is not expected to perform any housework until her wedding mehndi has faded. A mehndi party is held at the home of the bride the night before the wedding and only women from the bride's side get to attend. The evening is spent applying mehndi designs to the bride's hands and feet (and anywhere else)!
Indian mehndi designs use reddish-brown mehndi and fine lines, lacy or floral patterns as opposed to the large, floral patterns of Arabic designs, and large, bold geometrically-patterned black henna angles of African mehndi art. They often incorporate the peacock (India's national bird), the lotus flower (India's national flower), and an elephant with a raised trunk (a symbol of good luck).
A unisex craze:
In recent times, mehndi has enjoyed both a revival and a renewal. Actress Demi Moore was among the first celebrities to be seen wearing mehndi. Madonna created quite a stir at the MTV awards function, when she turned up with mehndi all over her body. The adoption of mehndi magic by Western models, musicians, and movie stars (including Naomi Campbell and Drew Barrymore) has led to mehndi tattoos becoming a white-hot fashion trend. Now it is not just hands and feet that are adorned, but also the arms, neck, back and navel. The magic is no longer confined to just women - men sport mehndi tattoos too. The traditional reddish-brown color has been enhanced by a variety of shades (contrasts of black, red and maroon) and glitters (highlights of gold, silver or copper). Best of all, no longer is mehndi reserved for occasions like weddings - it's worn to a Valentine's Day bash, a formal party or even an evening at the disco!
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