Friday, June 17, 2011

Henna and the Art of Mehndi

Henna and the Art of Mehndi

The plant Lawsonia Inermis is known as ‘Henna’, that is used to color and condition the hair and put designs on the skin. Henna is a Persian name which is used world wide to describe the plant. The word, ‘Mehndi” is the Hindu word which describes the art of painting designs on the skin with a henna paste. Henna painting is an ancient healing and cosmetic art whereby the dried leaves of the plant are crushed into powder then mixed with liquids and oils that activate the natural dye in henna, and then applied to the skin. Over a 48 hours period after application of henna to skin, it darken’s to it deepest shade of a reddish brown color and will stay on from several days to weeks.
                                                       
Henna Plant in bloom.
From North Africa, Asia the Middle East, India and in most Muslim Community’s
you will find the Art of Mehndi has been practiced since very ancient times. Just as Mehndi is popular in Asian/Indian , ‘Night of Henna’ pre wedding parties, it is also gaining popularity in America for Prenatal Belly Designs, Girls Night Out, Summer Events, and for many special occasions.