Henna or 'Mehendi' as it is known in India and Pakistan is not just a colourful decoration for the hands and feet of brides or women during festive seasons. Henna holds a deep Cultural significance and has been mentioned in the Hindu books of knowledge known as the Vedas. The Vedas refer to a bride being anointed with Turmeric and Henna. The Henna plant is actually a native plant of Egypt. The Egyptian mummies have hair and nails tinted with Henna.
In India and Pakistan a couple of days leading upto 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 and playing the dholak or two sided drum and fun and frolic. 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. Truly, 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 deepens the colour.
Henna leaves have some 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 a symbol of procreation. So have a blast with your henna design ladies!
