Mehendi (mehndi, mehandi, mehndi) - the so-called henna patterns. Unlike tattoos, henna is not injected under the skin, but is applied to its surface. Such drawings last only about three weeks. The application procedure is painless, excluding infection under the skin. Moreover, this herb has a healing property and will help heal small wounds and irritations.
The history of henna tattoos
Beautiful henna patterns appeared over 5000 years ago in Ancient Egypt. Closer to the 12th century, this occupation went to India, where it firmly settled there and became not just an ornament, but religious rituals. In Europe, tattoos appeared relatively recently. The technology of applying a henna pattern is observed in all nations, but each has its own characteristics.
Types of henna drawings
There are several styles:
- Arabic (Oriental) henna patterns. This style includes almost all flowers. The main color used in Arabic mehendi is dark brown. The drawings often resemble national paintings.
- African henna patterns (this style is also called Moroccan). It uses geometric shapes with rare floral motifs. The drawings tend to repeat the shapes of the arms and legs. Bedouin in generalprefer to completely paint over the palms and feet with henna.
- Indian henna patterns. They mainly consist of lines, dots and ornaments. Drawings of this style are not limited to hands and feet. They rise higher, capturing almost all parts of the body. One of the traditions of some Hindu festivals is the application of beautiful henna designs all over the body. Due to its style, drawings in the Indian style are intricate, with many curves of thin lines, arches, lace motifs.
- Asian henna patterns have incorporated the motifs of Indian and Pakistani patterns. A characteristic feature is the painted fingertips.
All styles of henna pattern tattoos are very popular nowadays, of course not without mixing.
Mehendi symbols
Each beautiful henna pattern is a kind of magical talisman and has its own special interpretation. So for example:
- a triangle turned upside down means female power, and the top down - male;
- octagon - protection from all cardinal directions and adjacent directions;
- the star is a symbol of hope;
- the six-pointed star symbolizes complete harmony between a man and a woman;
- lotus - purity and chastity;
- vine signifies devotion;
- grain symbolizes abundance in the house;
- a curved line is an indicator of good luck and career success.
Henna, which is used to apply patterns, is a powder that is obtained from driedarrow-shaped cinchona leaves. This is an absolutely safe dye, because it only stains the dead upper skin cells. The more keratinized cells, the brighter the pattern. The most suitable places are the palms and feet. Light henna patterns can also decorate the back, shoulders and even the stomach.
Hand drawings
Henna patterns on the hands have a solid origin in India. Since ancient times, a few days before the wedding, the girl began to paint her hands. The patterns are applied very complex, but the result exceeds all expectations. It is believed that the brighter the pattern, the stronger and more durable love will be. After the wedding, an Indian woman takes a break from household chores while the henna pattern is visible on her hands. If henna remains, then it is buried in the ground as a talisman against her husband's infidelity.
What do henna patterns on hands mean?
Here are some meanings of the most popular ornaments:
- bracelet brings love success;
- the crown means the desire for power and superiority over others;
- peacock - a symbol of love and passion;
- owl - a symbol of wisdom and prudence;
- dreamcatcher protects from evil spirits;
- flowers bring joy and success.
More about the meanings of mehendi
In Indian culture, it is believed that the drawings on the hands have a healing property and at the energy level. It is known that the energy centers (the so-called chakras) of our entire body are located precisely on the palms. Chakras monitor the work of each organ and anybody parts. Getting to the borders of the chakras, henna cleanses the entire body, absorbs negative energy and provides a person with spiritual balance.
Mehendi fish is a symbol of fertility and abundance. In traditional wedding drawings - the desire for a large family and children. Patterns in the form of fish are drawn to pregnant women as a symbol of strength, planning a child - as a dream come true. Drawings of fish on the male body contribute to the multiplication of male power.
Mehendi hamsa is an amulet in the form of a palm with a protective feature. This pattern is used from the evil eye, damage, negative energy. You can see him at the front door. In cars, in the form of jewelry.
Mehendi lotus flower - has many meanings. This is generosity, and life, and the feminine. This drawing has become a symbol of birth.
Mehendi Indian cucumber - has long been a symbol of fertility. In different parts of the world, the Indian cucumber (aka Turkish bean and oriental cucumber) has its own specific symbolism. For example, in Egypt it meant the path to immortality, in Iran it is considered a wish for happiness and prosperity.
Mehendi butterfly in ancient times was a symbol of immortality. Currently, they are trying to assign frivolity to her, but initially she meant freedom and sophisticated beauty.
Mehendi lily is associated with purity and innocence. Its symbolism is determined by the number of petals, size. Five petals - five senses. Seven petals - seven planets.
Paintings on legs
Henna foot patterns have always attracted girls of different ages andstatuses. It is not surprising, because when choosing a picture, you can show great imagination, because you can draw anything you like. But there are drawings that carry a hidden meaning and symbolize values:
- if the drawing is on the right leg, then the person is firmly set on his goal and moves forward;
- the picture, located on the left leg, symbolizes the constant search for oneself;
- on the right foot, the drawing suggests that a person has a pronounced egoism;
- on the left foot - a person is lonely and in search of his soul mate.
How to draw henna patterns
Mehendi kits are sold in specialized stores in the city and on the Internet. The kit usually includes quick-drying henna, stencils, oils, thin sticks, spatulas and other accessories. Everything is quite simple and clear.
For those who want to make their own mehendi paste, there is a recipe: boil half a liter of water, add 2 teaspoons of natural coffee (or black tea), mix well, put on fire and cook for an hour, periodically stirring. While the mixture is being cooked, sift through a sieve at least three times 45–50 g of henna. Add the hot mixture in a thin stream to the sifted powder, stirring and bringing to the desired consistency. The resulting paste should be thick so that the drawing does not spread during the application process. Add lemon juice to the mixture for a rich color.
Before applying the pattern, the skin must be carefully prepared: wash the desired area of the body with soap to remove excessfat, and remove all hairs. So that they do not interfere with work. The skin is then smeared with olive oil for a richer pattern.
Next, the selected drawing is applied to the skin with a special pencil or felt-tip pen and henna is already drawn on it. You can use stencils that are sold in speci alty stores. As for the application process itself, it is recommended to practice on paper, starting with light henna tattoos, in order to feel the pressing force, on which the thickness of the applied lines depends. Drying the finished drawing is best done under an infrared lamp in warmth or even in the sun. So henna will dry in a couple of hours. The best option would be to leave the drawing for about a day.
You can maintain the brightness and saturation of the pattern by wiping it with a lotion of lemon and sugar in a 2:1 ratio.
Henna Tattoo Care
If you follow a few simple rules, then your beautiful henna patterns on the body will last longer. Firstly, you can not rip off dried henna and falling off pieces. As long as it stays on, it soaks in. When it is completely absorbed, it will dry out and fall off by itself. Secondly, you should not dry the pattern with a hairdryer. There is a risk of fragility of the picture. The third nuance - you should change the bath for a shower. The less wet the tattoo, the longer it will last. It is worth canceling while swimming in the pool, as chlorinated water contributes to the rapid fading of the pattern. If water procedures cannot be avoided, it is recommended to spread the mehendi with a thick layer of waterproof cream. The most important - three daysafter applying the pattern in the morning and evening, wipe it with natural oil (coconut, olive or mustard).
Try not to exercise, as excessive sweating can shorten the life of a henna tattoo. Patterns will eventually lose their clarity and brightness, and may even be completely erased in a couple of days with excessive loads. How long henna patterns will last on the body depends on how light you have it and on which part of the body the pattern is applied.
Mehendi color is not black! Yes, from the very beginning after applying henna dark brown or green. But then it dries up, falls off, and a pattern appears under it. At first it will be bright orange. Don't be scared! The next day, the dye will darken and become brown or bright sand, depending on the quality of the henna.
