Art Of Mehndi The art of Mehendi has existed for centuries. The exact place of its origin is difficult to ascertain because of centuries of people in different cultures moving through the continents and their art forms with them and therefore sharing their art with everyone along the road. Some historical records indicate that Mendhi started in India while others believe it was introduced to India during the twelfth century AD I personally think it would be difficult to argue that it appeared as an art in Egypt first. |  |
Evidence has been found that henna (Mehendi) was used to stain the
fingers and toes of Pharoahs prior to mummification over 5000 years ago
when it was also used as a cosmetic and for its healing power. The
mummification process took 70 days and if the Egyptians were diligent
in planning for their death and
rebirth in the afterlife, they became
quite obsessed with the preservation
process.
The Egyptians believed
that body art care for the inclusion in the
afterlife.The henna used for Mehendi comes from a bush called Lawsonia
inermis which is part of the loose Strife family and is grown in the
Sudan, Egypt, India, most of the North African counties, The Middle
East and other hot and dry places. The bush is also grown in Florida
and California for his ornamental appearance and often grows to very
large, ranging from six to twenty feet in some cases. The lance-shaped
leaves of the bush are harvested, dried and ground to the henna powder.
Henna is used for hair dyes, such as a skin conditioner and as a
reliever for skin rash. The art of Mehendi is meant to Mehendi henna or
depending on where you are and whatever name you feel came first.
Whatever you call it - the art remains essentially the same as it was
centuries ago. It is beautiful the way it stains the skin! Mehendi is not the huge commitment that tattooing is because of
its temporary nature. For those too scared to endure the poking of a
needle or too ambivalent to commit to wearing the same permanent design
forever: - Mehendi is a wonderful alternative. I suggest that anyone
who hesitate in getting a permanent tattoo: - try walking the streets
with a henna design for a few weeks first. It helps you discover if you
constantly look backward and whispers that you often hear when you are
in the public as a decorated person.
Henna also allows you to play with
designs until you find that you are and then you get it permanently
etched into your skin if you want. Some people like expensive, while
others are much more comfortable with temporary forms of body art.
Regardless of how you use henna to decorate your body, and the main
idea is that nice.
