Henna also known as the Henna tree, the mignonette tree and the Egyptian privet is a flowering plant and the sole species of the Lawsonia genus. The English name ‘Henna’ comes from the Arabic. The name Henna also refers to the dye prepared from the plant and the art of temporary body art (staining) based on those dyes. The name is used in other skin and hair dyes, such as black henna and neutral henna, neither of which is derived from the henna plant.
- A flowering plant, henna is used as a dye, particularly in hair colouring, and temporary body art known as mehndi (also written as mehendi or mehandi).
- The dye is extracted from the dried leaf and petioles of the plant.
- Mehndi is the application of henna as a temporary form of skin decoration.
- It is usually drawn on the hands and feet, where the designs will last the longest.
- The patterns of Mehndi are typically quite intricate, and predominantly applied to brides before wedding ceremonies.
- Traditions in Bangladesh, Kashmir and Sudan sometimes expect bridegrooms to be painted as well.
- Mehndi decorations became fashionable in the West in the late 1990s, where they are sometimes called "henna tattoos".
- This American marketing slang is inaccurate, since tattoos are defined as permanent surgical insertion of pigments underneath the skin.
Regions
Bridal henna nights are a popular
tradition in North Africa, the Horn of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Near
East and South Asia.
Algeria
In Algeria, the bride's mother-in-law
traditionally presents her with jewelry and paints the henna on her hands.
India
In India, as a part of Hindu and Sikh
weddings, henna is applied during wedding ceremonies. Traditionally it is
thought that the darker the henna on the bride's hand, the more intensely her
husband will love her. It is an important part of many Hindu festivals (such as
Karva Chauth and Diwali), as well as during Eid. It is a common practice among
Indians, particularly elderly ones, to dye their hair using Henna.
Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, prenuptial Henna
nights are common. Traditionally the bride’s hands are painted with henna by
one of her female relatives, the belief being that the relative must be happily
married or else she will bring bad luck to the bride.
Pakistan and Bangladesh
In Pakistan, henna is used on hands
and feet by brides before their wedding, and by many women for Eid al-Fitr and
Eid al-Adha. Often the (women) friends and relatives of groom design or choose
the design for the hands and feet of bride. It is also used by men to color their
hair. As well as Bangladesh.
Israel
In Israel, Mizrahi and Sephardic
Jewish women sometimes choose to have a henna party about a week before the
wedding. The henna party is smaller than the wedding, as only closer friends
and family members are invited. The bride and groom wear traditional costumes
as do some of the main guests. There is much dancing and music, especially when
the henna is brought out. The henna is usually presented in a deep dish with
lit candles in it and carried by the grandmother. She applies the henna onto
the palms of the bride and groom and they are blessed. Subsequently, guests
stain their palms with henna as well. There are variations in customs and dress
between the different Jewish communities (Yemenite, Moroccan, Indian, etc.).
Somalia
Somali singer Fartuun Birimo wearing
henna hand and arm designs.
In Somalia, henna is worn by Somali
women on their hands, arms, feet and neck during weddings, Eid ul-Fitr,
Ramadan, and other festive occasions. Somali henna designs are similar to those
in the Arabian peninsula, often featuring flower motifs and triangular shapes.
The palm is also frequently decorated with a dot of henna and the fingertips
are dipped in the dye. Henna parties are usually held before the wedding takes
place.
Tunisia
In Tunisia, prenuptial henna
celebrations last for seven days. On the 3rd day, the bride wears a traditional
dress and has henna painted on her hands and feet. As for the groom, his pinky
finger is painted with henna on the 6th day.
Turkey
In Turkey, henna is sold in
convenience stores and markets. Among these are the Egyptian Bazaar in
Istanbul.
Arabic Mehandi Designs
Mehandi is the most paramount piece
of ladies design of Arabic, Indian, Pakistanis and Muslim ladies.Mehandi
Designs are most popular and well known outline of mehndi. New Style mehandi
designs has brought Latest Arabic Mehndi Designs 2014 for our perusers. mehandi
designs are popular in the Arab nations as well as Pakistani, Indian and ladies
of different nations additionally like mehandi designs to such an extent.
Arabic Mehndi Patterns are most exquisite, alluring and exceptional in style
contrasting with all other mehndi plans. Arabic Mehndi tattoo are for the most
part in dull colors and in little and huge examples. Ladies likewise apply
mehandi designs in Black, Red, Brown colors also as per their own particular
decision. mehandi designs could be connected on hands, arms, foot mehandi
designs and legs mehandi designs. Ladies’ Fashion is fragmented without mehndi,
particularly on wedding and eid celebrations ladies apply distinctive mehandi
designs on the hands and feet. Applying mehndi is likewise a symbolization
which needs a great deal of practice. mehandi designs are likewise
exceptionally unpredictable to apply and nit simple to apply outline yet
experts and specialists apply bridal Mehandi tattoo so well which makes young
ladies most wonderful and smart.
Characteristics of Arabic Henna
Designs
Free flowing
The Arabic style is quite flowing in nature with most of
design comprising patterns of Leaves, Vines and Flowers. Arabic style then
stretches over the hand with the dorsal area also being covered by similar
designs.
Scattered patterns
The Arabic design is
synonymous with scattered patterns and looks more spaced out when compared to
the African and Indian henna designs. In addition, the designs are extended
with vines and dots resulting in a very discreet look. This makes it both
captivating and fabulous.
External additives and color
The Arabic mehndi
design comes decked with colors and external additives like radium stickers,
diamonds etc thereby lending it a vivacious and bold appeal. This trend
continues to catch on fast and is especially popular among girls as well as in
party circuits.
Suited for bridal makeup
Arabic henna patterns
look stunning on the feet and hands in line with the minimalist look mantra.
However, a skilled artist can apply the best Arabic designs to beautify the
modern-day bride. In fact, such bridal services continue to be amongst the most
popular for would-be brides.
Ideal for all occasions
Arabic
mehndi designs are ideal for all occasions, be it bridal make-up, party wear,
or even for the festive season as they suit one and all. Currently, cute Arabic
henna tattoos are in vogue making one look beautiful, bold, and trendy.
How to Mix Henna
Natural Henna
- The henna plant is one of the oldest cosmetics ever used and is extremely safe.
- Natural henna rarely causes any adverse reactions, if you are concerned do a small patch test first and consult your physician.
- Natural henna is generally safe as it contains no chemical dyes or harsh additives.
- There is no such thing as black henna.
- To produce a black color, chemicals that are unsafe for your skin must be added.
- Black henna should be avoided! A chemical dye known as PPD, which is prohibited for use on the skin by the FDA is often added to the natural henna to produce a black color.
- It can cause liver and kidney damage, as well as scarring of the skin.
Fresh henna powder smells like fresh cut hay or
spinach and is an earthy green or khaki color. Bright green powder may have
chemical dye added, this is often just a food coloring and can be safe.
Sometimes the green dye is added to disguise an old crop of powder. If the
powder is brown and has little or no scent, it may be stale and too old to
yield a good color formehndi or henna body painting.
PART 1 - Begin 24 hours before you plan to use the henna
Begin mixing henna and
lemon juice
- Begin mixing paste the day before you would like to apply the henna. It takes about 24 hours to prepare the henna paste for application.
- Gather your Supplies
- Fresh Henna Powder, 20 grams or 1/4 Cup
- Bottled or Fresh Lemon Juice, strained
- Small Plastic or Glass Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Sugar
- Essential Oils, 1.5 teaspoons
- Plastic Sandwich Bag
- Applicator Bottle or Cone
Add 1/4 cup of strained fresh or bottled lemon juice.
Stir
the henna and lemon juice until they are completely mixed together and no lumps
of dry powder remain.
Stir
The paste will be thick, similar to mashed potatoes.
Part 2-Add Sugar and Essential Oil
add 1.5 teaspoons sugar
Stir. Iit will
be lumpy and chunky at first.
Keep stirring
After finish, do research about theme 'Henna' student need to apply and draw some pattern like Hennna, but must have a theme like jewelery, lamp or etc.
First Idea
Final Outcome
That meaning about the design
Flower ~ Joy and happiness
Leaves ~ longevity, devotion, perseverance, entwined lines and vitality
Number 4 ~ neutral and is extrovert
