The painting of designs on the hands and feet with 'Mehendi' as it is known in India and Pakistan, or 'Henna' (as it is popularly referred to in the Western world) is more than just a decoration - it has a deep cultural significance. The Henna leaves themselves are also said to have a therapeutic value.
Henna or 'Mehendi' is not just a colourful decoration for the hands and feet of brides or women during festive seasons - it also holds a deep cultural significance and has been mentioned in the Hindu books of knowledge known as the 'Vedas' which refer to a bride being anointed with Turmeric and Henna.
The Henna plant itself is actually a native plant of Egypt. The Egyptian mummies have hair and nails tinted with Henna.
Wedding Mehendi
In India and Pakistan, in the days leading up to a wedding ceremony, a special 'Mehendi Night' is organised at the bride's place. This Henna or Mehendi night is accompanied by a lot of music, playing of the dholak (two-sided drum) and fun and frolicking. The bride has intricate designs painted on her hands and feet. Other women in the family and friends too have their hands designed with henna.
Originally girls in a family gathered around and painted each others hands with Henna but now of course, we have Henna specialists who charge a handsome fee for their art.
A groom too can have just a spot of Henna on his palms as an auspicious sign. The deeper the colour of the Henna on a bride's hands, the stronger is deemed to be the husband's love.
More literally though, the colour of the henna getting dark depends on the intensity of an individual's body heat. Of course it also depends on how often you wash your hands with soap. Eucalyptus oil dabbed on the Henna design also deepens the colour.
Henna's special properties
Henna leaves contain medicinal properties as well. They are very cooling during summer and help reduce stress and headaches.
When applied to the nails Henna helps strengthening them.
Henna is also said to be a symbol of procreation. So have a blast with your henna designs guys!
