Mehendi … What are henna drawings?

Here you can get acquainted with with henna drawings and find out what mehendi is, get tips for applying, learn about the types and features of drawings.

henna drawings – photo examples of drawings

The most important thing about henna drawings (mehendi)

Mehendi – a method of applying drawings on the body with henna has recently become very popular. The enchanting designs on the arms, legs and body are a temporary tattoo that originated in oriental culture 5 centuries ago..

The paste with which the drawing is applied to the body consists of powder of lavsonia leaves (henna). Paste comes in completely different colors and shades. You can also change the color of mehendi by adding coffee, lemon, tea or essential oils..

In Morocco and Egypt, mehendi decorate the body (especially the hands and feet) of the bride the day before the wedding, during a kind of bachelorette party. For the procedure of applying patterns, special girls are invited who will decorate the body of the bride during the evening, as well as paint the hands of the closest relatives and girlfriends of the bride. In these regions, dark shades of brown or black are used for mehendi application..

In India, henna tattoos are also very popular. Mehendi has been an integral wedding ritual for many centuries. However, henna drawings are also applied during big holidays. The most popular mehendi colors in India are cherry brown, brown, red, burgundy. Black henna is rarely used.

Examples of photos:

It is also interesting that each pattern, drawing element has its own special meaning, which is very important and sacred for oriental people..

So, here are several meanings of mehendi patterns:

• Bracelet – successful love;
• The vine is devotion;
• The star is divinity;
• Square – honesty;
• A circle is a round of life;
• Grain is abundance in the house;
• The crescent moon is unearthly beauty;
• Peacock – passion, love;
• Sink – protection from troubles;
• Rose is a symbol of virginity;
• Lotus flower – good luck, success in endeavors;
• Flowers are life.

What is mehendi at a wedding in India?

A few days before the wedding ceremony, many people gather at the bride’s house for a celebration dedicated to the application of a temporary tattoo. Intricate patterns are applied to the body of the bride, the body of the groom is also subject to painting, but more simple. Relatives and friends of the family must be present at this ceremony..

In India, mehendi is primarily a symbol of marriage. So, this pre-wedding ritual symbolizes the transition of a girl to the status of a woman. Due to the fact that henna darkens under the influence of light and air for several hours, there is a belief here. According to this tradition, how much the henna darkens on the bride’s body, the groom’s family is so supportive of their daughter-in-law..

After the henna is applied to the bride’s body, she is not allowed to leave the parental home until the start of the wedding ceremony..

The most popular mehendi patterns:

• Peacocks;
• Buta (Indian cucumber);
• Large round motifs;
• Floral patterns;
• Geometric figures;

The harm and benefits of mehendi.

There is a misconception that applying henna to the body can be harmful. This type of temporary tattoo can be contraindicated only if you are allergic to henna. In other cases, this pattern will even be useful..

Watch the video:

Mehendi was created not only to milk jewelry, but also to eliminate negative emotions and nervous experiences. As you know, there are a huge number of nerve endings on the palms and feet of a person. So, the application of mehendi, with the interaction of the hand and the nerve endings of a person, contributes to the achievement of a state of rest.

It is also interesting that henna has antiseptic properties. Thanks to what it is able to protect against infections and viral diseases.

Prepared by: 123q-1 (Ignatova Elizaveta Petrovna)