Showing posts with label mehndi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mehndi. Show all posts
Monday, December 8, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
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
Friday, October 10, 2008
GREEN MEHNDI
Have a Green Mehndi!
Most Indian wedding traditions, especially Mehndi, have been “green” well before the world woke up to the word “eco-friendly!” Traditionally the Mehndi ceremony precedes the wedding function. The bride-to-be gets her hands and feet decorated with henna ( mehndi). Young girls and ladies too have Mehndi put on their hands as a symbol of joy, participation and happiness.Mehndi or Henna itself is eco-friendly. It is a natural tattoo paste, made from the roots of the Henna plant. Green Mehndi is ground to a fine paste. Mehndi is symbolically an important part of the Indian wedding. As Mehndi changes its colour from green to orange-red after application, so does a bride flower into her womanhood after marriage.We bring you some great ideas to get eco-friendly and have a truly “green” Mehndi!The Bride…
* Dress the bride with fresh flowers in stead of jewellery. Make bracelets, earrings, necklace and maang tika out of fresh flowers.
* Decorate her chair / seat with fresh jasmine strung together.
* Make a canopy of brocade silk and fresh flowers, for the bride to sit under. jasmine strings and.The Venue…
* Sprinkle flower petals at the entrance or pathway leading to the function.
* Decorate the house with fresh flowers: float lotus in urns, string marigolds and jasmine, or bedeck the venue in green leaves, roses and tuberoses.
* Use plantain leaves and the auspicious coconut to decorate.The Food…
* Plates made out of leaves, are ideal to serve food
* Place a plantain leaf in each plate before serving
* Use trays lined with plantain leaves to serve the sweets
* Use clay pots delicately painted in white and red, to serve the food.
* Leaf “donas” are ideal for chaat and pani poori.The Giveaways…
* Let your giveaways be eco-friendly.
* Avoid plastic bags, use cloth bags instead.
You can take your pick from tissue, cotton, brocade or silk
Most Indian wedding traditions, especially Mehndi, have been “green” well before the world woke up to the word “eco-friendly!” Traditionally the Mehndi ceremony precedes the wedding function. The bride-to-be gets her hands and feet decorated with henna ( mehndi). Young girls and ladies too have Mehndi put on their hands as a symbol of joy, participation and happiness.Mehndi or Henna itself is eco-friendly. It is a natural tattoo paste, made from the roots of the Henna plant. Green Mehndi is ground to a fine paste. Mehndi is symbolically an important part of the Indian wedding. As Mehndi changes its colour from green to orange-red after application, so does a bride flower into her womanhood after marriage.We bring you some great ideas to get eco-friendly and have a truly “green” Mehndi!The Bride…
* Dress the bride with fresh flowers in stead of jewellery. Make bracelets, earrings, necklace and maang tika out of fresh flowers.
* Decorate her chair / seat with fresh jasmine strung together.
* Make a canopy of brocade silk and fresh flowers, for the bride to sit under. jasmine strings and.The Venue…
* Sprinkle flower petals at the entrance or pathway leading to the function.
* Decorate the house with fresh flowers: float lotus in urns, string marigolds and jasmine, or bedeck the venue in green leaves, roses and tuberoses.
* Use plantain leaves and the auspicious coconut to decorate.The Food…
* Plates made out of leaves, are ideal to serve food
* Place a plantain leaf in each plate before serving
* Use trays lined with plantain leaves to serve the sweets
* Use clay pots delicately painted in white and red, to serve the food.
* Leaf “donas” are ideal for chaat and pani poori.The Giveaways…
* Let your giveaways be eco-friendly.
* Avoid plastic bags, use cloth bags instead.
You can take your pick from tissue, cotton, brocade or silk
TIPS FOR MEHNDI
Mehendi As A Tradition
Many historical events say that Mehandi is the Art of Arabic Muslims who brought henna to India, where it has bloomed into its own exclusive art style. In Indian Mehandi, a person applies designs conventionally to a woman's hands and feet. For particularly auspicious occasions, men also apply Mehandi. The most auspicious occasion justifying Mehandi artwork is the Indian wedding, where both bride and bridegroom apply henna, as well as several members of the bridal party. Henna on any time symbolizes fruitfulness. At the wedding, henna artwork further represents the love between married couple.
Mehandi came into use because of its cooling healing effect in a hot weather conditions and in India, it was also a way for a bride and groom to get to know one another before an agreed marriage. A variety of traditions underlie the use of Mehandi, including wedding games and legends. For example, the groom's name is usually written somewhere within the bride's Mehandi; if he cannot find his name within the complicated design, the bride is said to have the command in the marriage. Also, a dark Mehandi design for both bride and groom signifies that the two will have a strong relationship. Within the past few years, Mehandi has become popularized in the West by musicians and Hollywood personalities alike, and is now a quickly rising trend among women and men in world culture.
Occasions to wear Mehandi design
The Hindu marriages are special occasions for Henna tattoos. Although Mehandi is generally used in many Hindu festivals and celebrations, there's no doubt that Hindu wedding has become synonymous with this beautiful reddish dye. Hindus often use the term 'Mehandi' interchangeably with marriage, and Mehandi is considered among the most auspicious jewelleries of a married woman.
Mehandi is not just a way of artistic expression; sometimes it's a 'must to wear factor' in Indian weddings. A Hindu wedding includes a number of religious resources previously and during the marriages. Mehandi play a very important part in it, so much so that no Indian marriage is considered absolute without it
Mehandi is admired and accepted with both men and women also as a conditioner and dye for the hair. Mehandi is also applied during the various fasts observed by married women. It is believed widely that a large Mehandi dot in the middle of the hand, with four smaller ones at the sides denotes the presence of gods Ganesha and Lakshmi.
A bride's wedding plan usually includes a hidden writing of the groom's name on her palm. It's believed, if the groom fails to find his name within the complicated outlines, the bride will be more leading in marital life. Sometimes the wedding night is not allowed to commence until the groom has found the names. Hence 'name game' is the other occasion for Mehandi to wear.
Dresses to match with MehandiWith regional exceptions, if you wish to be a conventional Hindu bride, you wear a wedding gown, which is generally said as a "sari" in maroon color representing fertility, prosperity and wholesomeness. Guests and all visitors of the function should respect the customs and the women should wear long dresses and both genders should cover their arms to avoid causing any unintentional offence.'Haldi', the turmeric paste is applied to the groom's body before he bathes and he usually is supposed to wear a 'tikka' or a 'tilak' on his forehead.
Many historical events say that Mehandi is the Art of Arabic Muslims who brought henna to India, where it has bloomed into its own exclusive art style. In Indian Mehandi, a person applies designs conventionally to a woman's hands and feet. For particularly auspicious occasions, men also apply Mehandi. The most auspicious occasion justifying Mehandi artwork is the Indian wedding, where both bride and bridegroom apply henna, as well as several members of the bridal party. Henna on any time symbolizes fruitfulness. At the wedding, henna artwork further represents the love between married couple.
Mehandi came into use because of its cooling healing effect in a hot weather conditions and in India, it was also a way for a bride and groom to get to know one another before an agreed marriage. A variety of traditions underlie the use of Mehandi, including wedding games and legends. For example, the groom's name is usually written somewhere within the bride's Mehandi; if he cannot find his name within the complicated design, the bride is said to have the command in the marriage. Also, a dark Mehandi design for both bride and groom signifies that the two will have a strong relationship. Within the past few years, Mehandi has become popularized in the West by musicians and Hollywood personalities alike, and is now a quickly rising trend among women and men in world culture.
Occasions to wear Mehandi design
The Hindu marriages are special occasions for Henna tattoos. Although Mehandi is generally used in many Hindu festivals and celebrations, there's no doubt that Hindu wedding has become synonymous with this beautiful reddish dye. Hindus often use the term 'Mehandi' interchangeably with marriage, and Mehandi is considered among the most auspicious jewelleries of a married woman.
Mehandi is not just a way of artistic expression; sometimes it's a 'must to wear factor' in Indian weddings. A Hindu wedding includes a number of religious resources previously and during the marriages. Mehandi play a very important part in it, so much so that no Indian marriage is considered absolute without it
Mehandi is admired and accepted with both men and women also as a conditioner and dye for the hair. Mehandi is also applied during the various fasts observed by married women. It is believed widely that a large Mehandi dot in the middle of the hand, with four smaller ones at the sides denotes the presence of gods Ganesha and Lakshmi.
A bride's wedding plan usually includes a hidden writing of the groom's name on her palm. It's believed, if the groom fails to find his name within the complicated outlines, the bride will be more leading in marital life. Sometimes the wedding night is not allowed to commence until the groom has found the names. Hence 'name game' is the other occasion for Mehandi to wear.
Dresses to match with MehandiWith regional exceptions, if you wish to be a conventional Hindu bride, you wear a wedding gown, which is generally said as a "sari" in maroon color representing fertility, prosperity and wholesomeness. Guests and all visitors of the function should respect the customs and the women should wear long dresses and both genders should cover their arms to avoid causing any unintentional offence.'Haldi', the turmeric paste is applied to the groom's body before he bathes and he usually is supposed to wear a 'tikka' or a 'tilak' on his forehead.
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