Mehendi is derived from Sanskrit word “Mendhika” and is used on religious occasions and ceremonies and also to beautify oneself. It is acknowledged as a symbolic representation of the Sun inside and outside. The Vedic custom is indeed based on the idea of “awakening the inner light.”
Mehendi is of course the name for the henna design of the Indian subcontinent, the concept of using henna to decorate hands originated in Arabia. Although the entire concept of Mehendi was rather borrowed from other countries, it still has the touch of India.
Mehendi does represent Indian culture and it is widely used to decorate hands as well as one’s feet in weddings as well as on other auspicious occasions.
How to Make Henna Paste?
The henna tree is also referred to as Egyptian privet or Hibiscus tree. It also belongs to a flowering plant of the genus Lawsonia. The name ‘henna’ does come from the Arabic ‘Hinna’. Henna is a tall shrub native to North Africa, West Asia and South Asia, North Australia, semi-arid regions as well as tropical countries. The plant does produce maximum dye when cultivated at temperatures of 35 to 45 degrees Celsius as well as monsoon.
The compound Lawsone that is available in the henna leaves is the actual dye. If one uses all of the henna leaves, one will not get any color. When the fresh henna leaves are smashed with some mild acidic liquid, the Lawsone molecule is indeed released. The molecules bind the proteins in one’s skin, thus leaving a beautiful red color.
Henna is normally sold as a dry powder which is made by drying, milling, and sifting leaves. Henna powder must also be mixed with lemon juice as well as strong tea and other acidic liquids for a smooth, smooth consistency. It is better to leave the henna sauce stationary for six to twenty-four hours to release the dye. Essential oils that do contain high levels of monoterpene alcohols, are tea tree, lavender, Cajeput, as well as eucalyptus oil (if added to henna sauce) which will indeed make one’s mehendi darker. The adhesive is now indeed ready for use in the palm as well as the soles of the hand in order to create a complex design. The paste is dried up, smeared with sugar as well as lemon juice to enhance the intensity of the color. Slowly, the dried henna will fall off from one’s hand, thus leaving orange and then it slowly turns red-brown. One can make use of a blunt knife in order to scrape off the dry paste on one’s hands. Be careful not to hurt oneself.
One must avoid making use of soap as well as chlorinated water as it will indeed prevent the darkening of the color. The application of steam or even heating one’s hand does help to darken the color. Always do henna paste at home to create tattoos as well as mehendi. This will also prevent one from making use of harsh chemicals that are generally used in the finished product cones which are sold on the market.
- This is indeed an attractive Indian mehendi design with intricate details as well as floral patterns; this design is rather a combination of peacock and floral motifs, fingers with many details, and some gaps on the palms, that are filled with small flowers. Patterns and patterns do make the design unusual and also completely different. Despite this, this mehendi design is rather very unique as well as stylish and looks rather nice one one’s hands.
- From modern design, one shifts to traditional Indian bride’s mehendi hand design. This design is suitable for brides. It consists of complex traditional patterns such as peacock, lace, bracelets and flowers, covering the entire arm of the bride, thus making her look bright s well as beautiful. One must go in for mehendi that has bolder and prominent designs.
- Feet can also be decorated with mehendi with intricate as well as beautiful designs. These designs can be applied on special occasions as well as religious occasions. Ankle as well as the feet can be decorated.
- Very traditional mehendi designs adorn the hands and feet. The patterns are unique and very beautiful indeed. These are ideal designs for a bride.
- This is traditional design, filled with hands, and will not appear much disorganized. The tiny gap left in the design does make it look simple as well as attractive. This design is suitable for anyone. Even the bride’s mother can adorn it.
- This is much different from the traditional mehendi design. It is a complex design of various shapes. One’s hands will not look messy, and young college students will simply love this design.
- This is for those who want to minimize the mehendi design.The center floral pattern is indeed drawn diagonally from the pattern on a single finger. Colorful gems are added to the gorgeous appearance
- One can go in for a mehendi design that uses different colored stones. These gemstones vary in sizes and shapes and do make the design look very awesome. Large stones are rather placed in the middle of the circular design, and then other smaller stones are placed on the entire design in order to make it look bright and stylish. One can use different shapes and colors to get the desired design. One must make sure that the adhesive that is used to stick these stones is harmless as well as durable to the skin.
- This is complex mehendi design for the feet. The design does cover a lot of space for the foot and is very suitable for a bride. One must also apply nail polish.
- The design is very beautiful on one’s hand, it will decorate one’s entire hand. Unlike other traditional mehendi designs, the top of the finger is rather open for this unique touch. Brides will simply love this design.