Indias mehndi skin art – Part 1
India boasts one of the most beautiful traditions seen in weddings and other ceremonies, known as Mehndi skin art. Mehndi is done using henna which leaves a brownish-red stain on the skin, usually the hands and feet, and is just temporary, wearing off after a few days to a few weeks. Some people even choose to have Mehndi skin art applied instead of a tattoo so that they can change their body art often, or just as a way to try out a different tattoo before getting one done in permanent ink.
Henna, which is the Persian name the describe the dye used in Mehndi, is derived from the plant or bush known as Lawsonia inermis, which is commonly found in the Middle East and other tropical climates. The plant can grow to heights of over 10 feet tall. It is picked, dried and crushed, making a green powder. The power is then added often to Eucalyptus oil or Clove oil and mixed to form a watery ink. The ink itself is a deep reddish-brown in its truest form, although many other colors can be found today. However, these newer colors have added chemicals and are actually considered dangerous, many people having severe allergic reactions from them. So, stick with the natural henna and your skin will stay normal.
This process of painting onto the skin can actually be traced back almost 5000 years, but it is seen predominantly in the Indian culture. Henna is applied now mainly to the hands and feet prior to wedding ceremonies and it can take hours to complete. Hands and feet are easiest to apply the henna on as they are drier and have less oils than other parts of the body. But, the dye is not permanent, like a tattoo, however, it will not stain your clothes once it has completely dried. The patterns used are intricate and very elaborate filigree, done in Indian patterns by a skilled Mehndi artist.
This is still a very well followed tradition in Indian culture and you’ll see many a modern bride adorned with Mehndi art prior to her wedding. Henna can also be used for a variety of other purposes such as updo dye, a conditioner for the skin and also as an effective heat rash remedy.
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Tags: Allergic Reactions, Body Art, Dye