Mehndi is a form of body art that originates from ancient India, wherein decorative designs are created on a person’s hands and feet, using a paste, created from the powdered dry leaves of the henna plant. A professional mehndi artist or a relative applies the mehndi designs for the bride. The designs are very intricate and detailed. Often hidden within the designs, the name or initials of the groom are applied.
Using henna for body art has been practised for over 5000 years approximately. It is a tradition among various cultures of the world. The Hindi and Arabic word Mehendi originates from the Sanskrit word ‘mendhika’ which referred to the henna plant itself.
The Mehndi paste is made from dried powdered henna leaves. The leaves are dried in the sun, ground and sieved to obtain a fine mossy green like powder. This powder is then combined with water, lemon juice, drops of eucalyptus oil and made into a paste. The paste is soaked overnight and then poured inside a plastic cone.
The complex detailed designs symbolizes the passage of life and is applied for its aesthetics. For Hindu weddings, henna is done on the bride to symbolize beauty, joy, spiritual awakening and even as an offering.
Traditional Indian designs include peacock motifs, floral designs, bride/groom replicas and other elements that cover every inch of the hand, forearms, feet and calves. The fingertips of the bride are covered in thick layers of henna paste.
The Mehendi Ceremony has a deeper significance. It is believed that in the Mehendi design the picture of the bride and groom are drawn over the hands and feet of the bride, and even the groom’s name is hidden in this pattern. The groom should look for it. Till then, the marriage does not commence.
