Nazia's Mehendi

Designs of Mehendi 

The art of applying henna in hands and feet is known as Mehendi which is a very old custom and ancient art form of the Asian subcontinent. The propagators were the Mughals. The Mughals taught us all about the history of Mehendi and introduced it to India during 12th century AD. During that period, Royal and rich use to decorate themselves with it. The patterns were intricately made by the artists or the beauticians.

Mehendi nowadays become our tradition in Bengali and Muslim culture. It is one of the oldest and longest temporary tattoo works in Ancient India. Mehendi usually applied for the   decorative designs which are created on a person's body, using a paste, created from the powdered dry leaves of the henna plant. According to, ancient in origin, mehendi is still a popular form of body art among the women and without applying mehendi designs tradition become tasteless. In every religions wedding ceremony, it has become one of the trend to our tradition and culture around the global.

What is Mehendi ? 

Mehndi or Mehendi is the processed form of the powdered leaves into mehendi powder or dried leaves of the henna plant (Botanical name: Lawsonia Inermis). It stain's a usually cherry-red to brown color but this can be vary with time left on and a range of other factors. It is possible to blend henna and eucalyptus oil, water, as well as tea or caffeine to help make the stick of henna. Early customers of mehndi utilized tiny spots of the mix onto the arms of the hands in energy to cool their bodies.

Overtime, people’s taste become change and as a result this tiny spots become changed into pattern of flowers and turned to complicated designs which  are painted to give them a better look.

History of Mehndi 

The origin of Mehndi can be from Egypt because it was one of the art forms in Egypt. Henna has the power of medicine was also used as a cosmetic and for its healing power for ages. The beautiful patterning prevalent in India today has emerged only in the 20th century. In India, most of the women from that time in India is depicted with their hands and feet with red stain designs. 

Applying henna in Royal and rich families woman in Mughal period.

The art of Mehndi has existed for centuries. No exact place of its origin is identified because of people in different cultures moving through the continents and taking their art forms with them and therefore sharing their art with everyone along the way.

Mehendi cones

As an artist, it is important to have a high quality medium, but the wrong tool can make the designing process difficult or make you look like a novice. In ancient times, people used sticks to create their henna designs, which are very difficult to learn to use. Now, for many decades, artists have been using hand-rolled henna cones, which give you precise lines, are easy to use and a great way to do your henna art without straining your hands. Henna cones are easy and fun to make and you can make them the size that suits you best.

Pattern of Mehndi design 

The art of Mehndi is referred to as henna or Mehndi. Some people like permanent tattoos and some are comfortable with temporary forms of body art. When you use henna to decorate your body it cools your body too.

Mehndi patterns will be beautiful and have four different styles.  

1.    The Middle Eastern style: This pattern of mehndi style is mostly made up of floral patterns similar to the Arabic paintings.

 

 The North African style: This pattern of mehndi follows the shape of the hands and feet using floral patterns.

·         The Indian and Pakistani designs: This pattern of mehndi includes lines patterns and teardrops.

·         The Indonesian and Southern Asian styles:  These patterns of mehndi were a mix of Middle Eastern and Indian designs using blocks of color on the very tips of their toes and fingers. 

Traditional Mehendi placement

While the art of mehendi  is a cultural practice that dates back over 5,000 years, today it is used as a popular form of expression for luck and happiness and can be found in many ceremonial practices, including Blessing ways, marriages, births and battle.

Normally, mehendi placed on the palms of the hand which allow the bearer to receive and offer blessings. Wherever it is placed on your desire, recently mehndi design is generally given on the palm, arm, upper part of your hand up to elbow; it can be given backside of your body and also in the foot. The place where you desire to art your body through mehndi tattoos. mehndi is mostly given by girls on festival. There are more popular deigns for the palms including mandalas, sun and flower images. Mehendi can be placed anywhere on the body. The design of mehendi can be applied on the top of the hands which can be suggestive of protection and often includes shield designs. However for men, the right hand is considered projective whereas the left hand for women is receptive.  The feet are truly a spiritual place to henna, as they connect the body, mind and spirit with the earth. 

Designs of Mehendi

Those who are knowledgeable they are known about traditional designs. Mehendi designs are mostly worn specially for celebrations. Symbolizing the evolution from virgin into woman, mehendi is applied on the hands and feet of brides-to-be throughout the Muslim and Indian cultures in a Mehendi ceremony. These events take place several days before the actual wedding day, and all members of the family, as well as guests, are usually painted.

• Sahasara: This ancient symbol unites the soul with a divine sense of force.
• Peacock: The proud peacock symbolizes beauty.

• Vines and leaves: Vines and leaf henna designs often represent devotion and vitality and are perfect for marriage celebrations.
• SwansBirds:Birds serve as the messengers between heaven and earth. 
•  Dragonflies and butterflies: Symbolize change and rebirth. 
• Paisley designs:Intricate and scrolling paisleys can represent fertility and luck.
• Flowers: Flowers and petals symbolize pure happiness and joy.
  
  

  
  

  Mehndi continues to be done in several forms including more contemporary designs, nowadays. Should they such as the look before making a permanent decision some contemplating a lasting tattoo may use mehndi first to find out. Some just enjoy having a momentary design they recognize can wash-off in 2-3 weeks. Whatever your factors might be for being considering mehndi, you are delving into a wonderful type of art abundant with tradition.
  
  

  Learn How to apply Mehendi

  If you have a steady hand and a love of drawing intricate and detailed pieces, becoming a mehendi artist may be an interesting venture for you. Once you've learned the art of mehendi , you can take your knowledge of ancient symbols and designs anywhere and begin earn money.