Mehendi is one of the most ancient arts of drawing various patterns on the body using henna. There are several versions of the source of such a colorful trend in culture. It is now popular to do mehendi on the back and arms.
History of origin
It is generally accepted that this art appeared five thousand years ago in ancient India. Residents of the country believe that it originated on their territory. But that's not entirely true.
Scientists suggest that henna painting appeared in ancient Egypt. It was this people who had a tradition of painting the limbs of the pharaohs, performing the rite of mummification.
As the Egyptians believed, original drawings make it easy to enter the world of the dead. In Arab countries, the fair sex wore henna painting as a kind of amulet. In India, it is a sign of fertility and abundance. Now mehendi on the back or arms is just an opportunity to decorate your body.
How "paint" is mined
Henna, which is used in painting, is obtained from the leaves of a tree grown in Egypt, India or the Middle East.
Now the dye is on sale. It is easy to get in stores in India. The best mastersthey extract the pigment on their own and everyone has their own secret recipe. Preparing a solution that will last on the skin for a long time is not so simple. In some cases, coffee, eucalyptus oil or lemon juice are also added.
Four styles
Mehendi on the back or arms is not a tattoo at all. The image can only last about three weeks. A great option for those who do not want to get a real tattoo. According to styles, there are 4 traditional patterns:
- Curls with flowers. This is how they paint in the Middle East.
- Geometric patterns. Prerogative of African countries.
- Teardrop-shaped drawings depicting oriental cucumbers. This is Indian style.
- A mixture of oriental and Indian drawings - this is how the body is painted in Asian culture.
How to make mehendi at home
- Initially, you need to prepare the skin for painting. When mehendi is made on the back or other area, the body or limbs are treated with scrubs and rubbed with essential oil, which helps to remove excess fat. The hairline must be removed in advance, it can serve as an obstacle to the penetration of the dye.
- You can use a stencil or water-soluble paper to get a smooth henna pattern. True masters apply the drawing “by hand” using wooden or metal sticks. Excess paint is best removed immediately. Otherwise, blurry spots will appear on the skin, which can stain clothes. Ready-made mehendi on the back (photo) are presented in thisarticle.
- Dry the pattern for 8 hours. Depending on the paint, the time may be slightly different. True color appears after 40 hours.
Peculiar biotatu will please about 3 weeks. Masters recommend periodically wiping the pattern with almond oil. It is undesirable to expose the drawing to water.
Which pattern is better to do on the back?
When studying various patterns, one can understand that each "Mehendi" pattern on the back has its own meaning. Before choosing this or that image, it is recommended to study it well and find out what secret meaning is hidden in it. After all, this is a kind of talisman that should be selected individually.
A true master can help with the meaning of an image. He will definitely prompt and advise the most suitable symbol.
Each specialist has his own catalog of mehendi. On the back, sketches are applied in a larger volume. Fans of baring this part of the body will be able to boast of a beautiful pattern that occupies its entire territory.
Only some meanings of the drawings are known:
- The octagon provides protection from all directions.
- The vine is a symbol of devotion.
- Painted disk: for men - the ability to command, for women - wisdom.
- Stars represent hope.
- The cross serves as a link between earth and heaven.
- The curved line helps to overcome difficulties and obstacles.
- Swan leads to success.
- The moon symbolizesunearthly beauty.
- Small dots - love for her husband.
- The shell leads to victory.
- The earring in all possible variations embodies the creative nature.
Mehendi on the back (photo) are very beautiful and varied. Often these are drawings in the style of the Middle East. In Russia, this type of art is becoming more and more popular.
