Written by: Hurmat Majid
Posted on: April 08, 2024 | 
| 中文
Minimalist henna
Henna, also known as mehndi, is a culturally rich form of temporary body art that has been used for centuries in various traditions worldwide. In Pakistan, women have always had a personal connection to henna, be it for weddings or Eid.
The use of henna dates back to ancient civilizations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The earliest form of henna was created by drying the leaves and grinding them into a powder, which was then mixed with water, lemon juice, or tea to create a paste. This was then applied to the skin using bare hands at first but then with time and modernization, the henna cone arrived. Henna stains are also used as cooling agents in hotter parts of the world. Often women and even men paint the underside of their feet with henna in order to keep their bodies cool in the scorching heat.
In Pakistani culture, mehndi is considered an essential part of wedding preparations. It is customary for the bride and her female relatives to have their hands and feet adorned with intricate designs. The process of applying mehndi during a wedding is a tradition that has been passed down through generations in Pakistan. It is a symbol of beauty and creativity and represents the bond between family members and the love shared between the bride and groom. Bridal mehndi can take several hours to complete on the hands and feet. Apart from weddings, Mehndi is applied on Eid and women either take turns applying Mehndi on each other’s hands, or go out to get their henna done by professionals.
Moroccan henna painted hands
Apart from Muslim cultures, Mehndi also plays a significant part in Hindu tradition. It is not only limited to weddings and special occasions, but it is also used to celebrate festivals such Diwali and Karva Chauth, when married women apply mehndi on their hands and feet as a symbol of love and devotion towards their husbands.
Yemeni henna
In terms of design, other cultures have influenced the art of mehndi in Pakistan, resulting in unique fusion patterns that incorporate elements of Arabic and Indian styles. Pakistani mehndi designs are known for their intricate patterns featuring floral and paisley motifs, as well as geometrical shapes and lace-like styles.
Arabic henna
Across South Asia, mehndi art features detailed floral and paisley patterns with dots and circles creating a sense of flow. In the Middle East it is kept simple with geometric shapes and lines, while North African henna incorporates Berber symbols. West African henna features bold and abstract designs. Yemen uses henna to create intricate nail designs.
South asian heena
These days, there are various types of mehndi available in the market, not all of which are safe for human touch. It is best to look for organic henna that is made from all-natural ingredients and is free from harmful chemicals.
A popular type of mehndi these days is red henna which produces a red-orange stain. It is made from the leaves of the henna plant, which are dried and ground into a powder and then mixed with an acidic liquid, either made of lemon juice or chemicals to give it a red tone.
Black henna is a type of henna that is mixed with other ingredients to create a darker, blackish stain. However, it is important to note that black henna is not natural henna and can be harmful to the skin. It often contains the chemical para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which can cause severe allergic reactions and even lead to permanent scarring. It is important to always use natural henna and avoid black henna, especially when getting henna done by someone else.
In recent years, Mehndi has turned into a popular form of self-expression among women in Pakistan and beyond. Modern designs reflecting personal style and beliefs are used for special occasions and everyday wear. Minimalist henna art with clean lines and simple patterns is gaining popularity among women who prefer a more modern look. Feminist symbols and messages of love and peace are also gaining popularity these days.
Henna art has also recently gained popularity in Western countries as an alternative to permanent tattoos. Both traditional designs and modern adaptations that incorporate glitter or unconventional color schemes are now trendy among many. However, while the popularity of henna art is growing, it's crucial to acknowledge and respect its cultural roots and significance. Despite the increasing demand for modern henna designs, it's important to honor the traditional context and symbolism behind the art. Mehndi is a beautiful and intricate form of art that celebrates the diversity of cultures around the world. Whether it's for a wedding, festival, or just for fun, mehndi provides a unique way to express creativity and showcase traditional designs.
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