Mehendi or Mehndi is a traditional oriental henna painting. In India, bio-henna tattoos have been established since the twelfth century. At almost any Indian wedding, brides are adorned with traditional mehendi patterns from head to toe.
Indian wedding traditions
Mehendi is traditionally applied to the bride's skin by older, experienced relatives. They use metal or wooden sticks as tools, hand-drawing intricate patterns on the legs and arms of the newlywed. On the feet, palms, hands and ankles, henna lasts the longest, since the skin in these areas is dry and thin. In the process of applying these patterns, experienced women usually initiate the bride into the secrets of the marriage bond. Henna tattoos can last for a long time, in India it is traditionally believed that as long as a wedding pattern is visible on the skin of the bride (and wife), she is freed from everyday duties and hassle.
Usually henna tattoos last up to two to three weeks.
Mehendi is primarily intended to preserve love in marriage. Dark, almost black mehendi patterns speak of a very strong love. The red color of the tattoo promises power and fertility, made with red henna mehendi usually contain floral ornaments, images of animals and birds - all this connects a woman with the cycle of life, with the concept of birth, growth, regeneration, death. It is believed that mehendi serves as protection from evil spirits, misfortunes, and illness. That is why Indian women cover their bodies with such tattoos not only during weddings.
Complex patterns and ornaments are especially popular in India; images of lotus and peacock flowers bring good luck and love. That is why these patterns are often depicted on the palms and feet of the bride.
Indian girls fervently believe that mehendi will bring love and care to her husband. Indian girls believe that the beauty of hand and foot painting should delight their future husband and his relatives. In some regions of India, they adorn their bodies and suitors with henna.
Mehendi is a good way to appeal to the gods. Very often, prayers and requests are encrypted in the painting of hands and feet. Very often, Indian brides put on their hands images of an elephant, which is a symbol of Merciful Ganesha - a god who always cared for people.
Henna drawings are considered good energy protection, since they are applied to the palm, where all the energy channels of a person go out.
Now not only in India
Increasingly, the tradition of painting one's skin with exotic oriental designs before important events pervades Western society as well. It is quite easy to see a young girl of European appearance with flowers or animals painted with henna on her hands. Many people make such a painting on their own, it takes time and effort, besides, the patterns usually do not turn out as delicate as those of Indian brides, nevertheless, they look impressive if their creator has good taste.
