In India, henna for tattoos appeared in the 15th century AD. Most of the women of that time in this country adorned themselves with inscriptions and drawings on their arms and legs, regardless of social class or marital status. As its use spread, the methods and techniques became more sophisticated. The tradition of applying henna tattoos originated in North Africa and the Middle East. It is believed to have been used as a cosmetic for the past 5,000 years.
What is henna?
Henna is a small tropical shrub whose leaves are dried and ground. It gives off a rusty red pigment suitable for intricate designs on the palms and legs. The dye has the property of cooling and has no side effects on the skin. The color of the tattoos can be orange, dark orange or dark brown, depending on the henna and other factors. Whatever the shade, it looks pleasant and gives a special beauty.
Step by step instructions for applying henna
You can make a henna tattoo at home. First you need to prepare all the necessary materials. Henna powder can be bought in the Indian market very cheaply, and a kit for applying it can also be purchased there.
Step by step instructions:
- Start by sifting 1/4 cup of henna powder into any container to eliminate lumps. This will make the melt smoother and easier to squeeze out of the applicator.
- Lemon juice is added to the mixture, about 1/8 cup. You need to mix until the henna looks like a paste.
- The container should be covered with a lid or plastic wrap and allowed to stand at room temperature for 12 hours.
- After 12 hours, add 1 teaspoon of sugar, then 1 teaspoon of essential oil (such as almond or lavender).
- Everything mixes well, henna should be smoother like icing, not runny.
- You need to cover the mixture and leave for another twelve hours.
- After this time, lemon juice (2 teaspoons) is added little by little.
- If it gets too runny, just add more sifted henna.
- Now it's time to fill the applicator with henna. It could be a reusable plastic bottle, which you can buy from an Indian market or an artisan shop.
- Henna preparation is complete. You can start using it to create a henna tattoo at home.
The popularity of henna lies in its low cost. It is attractive, painless and temporary. It does not leave designs for life, like real tattoos, it is washed off after 1-3 weeks.
Henna tattoos in the West
The introduction of Indian henna into European and Americanculture is a recent phenomenon. Today it is a fashionable alternative to tattoos. Many Hollywood actors and celebrities have become adherents of this painless art. Actress Demi Moore and No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani were among the first to try them out.
Then the following stars tried henna tattoos:
- Madonna;
- Drew Barrymore;
- Naomi Campbell;
- Liv Tyler;
- Nell McAndrew;
- Mira Sorvino;
- Daryl Hannah;
- Angela Bassett;
- Laura Dern and others.
Some brands (like Harper's Bazaar, Wedding Bells and Cosmopolitan) have further expanded this trend.
No henna, no marriage
Henna is not just a way of artistic expression, sometimes it is necessary. A Hindu wedding includes a number of religious ceremonies before and during the wedding, and henna plays an important role in it. Every bride knows how to make a henna tattoo. No Indian marriage is considered complete without such a tattoo on the day of the ceremony. The reddish brown pigment, which signifies the prosperity that a bride expects in a new family, is considered the most auspicious for all wedding ceremonies in India.
The day before their wedding, a girl and her friends gather for a henna ritual, during which the bride must decorate her hands, wrists, palms and legs with a beautiful shade of red. Even the groom's hand, especially in Rajasthani weddings, is decorated with patterns. It is believed that such tattoos bring good luck. Maybe that's why brides love it so muchthem.
It is widely believed among Hindu women that the darker the imprint left on the palms of the bride, the more her mother-in-law will love her. This belief may have been invented to force the bride to sit patiently and wait for the drawing to dry.
Brides usually include a hidden inscription of the groom's name in the palm of their hand. It is believed that if the groom cannot find his name in the intricate designs, the wife will be dominant in the married life. Sometimes the wedding night cannot begin until the groom finds the inscription.
Types of tattoos
Henna has been used since ancient times to color the hands and feet. Such tattoos are often associated with a wedding or various festivals. Patterns may vary depending on the culture of different countries.
Most popular designs:
- Pakistani;
- Indian;
- arabic;
- African.
Pakistani tattoos are often presented in floral motifs. Drawings of a circle, palm trees are the most popular Indian patterns, and the tips of the fingers are completely covered with henna. Arabic tattoos include leaves, vines, flowers, as well as geometric designs that almost completely cover the arm or leg. African tattoo designs have a symbolic meaning, expressing love and care. Basically, these are straight lines, complex patterns and geometric shapes.
Flower Arrangements
One of the most popular designs used for temporary henna tattoos are flowers. They symbolize joy and happiness. Not surprising,that floral ornaments are widely used for weddings and other celebrations. These simple Indian designs are mostly adapted for beginners and those who want to practice and learn. Lotus compositions are especially popular. This flower means countless virtues - creativity, grace, sensuality, beauty, femininity and purity. The lotus is said to awaken the soul.
Compositions with birds
A popular design that tattoo artists must face is the image of a peacock. This beautiful bird looks exquisite. Such a pattern for the wedding ceremony is very popular. Apart from the peacock, many other birds such as parrots and sparrows are quite popular. They symbolize freedom, are considered messengers between heaven and earth. When applying a temporary henna tattoo, the photos are especially interesting. This is a good option for a photo shoot.
Image of natural phenomena
The sun has always been considered the main source of energy in Indian culture. It means rebirth, immortality, eternal love and knowledge. A strong relationship between partners, a positive force for change, protection and he alth - this is what the moon means. The crescent symbolizes the birth of a child.
More drawings
Butterflies mean transformation and change, dragonflies are associated with rebirth. Grape with exquisite leaves and beautiful flowers is an attractive design that symbolizeslongevity, persistence and vitality. These are qualities that are very important in a relationship. Water is usually represented as ripples. As a river or stream continues to flow, life is a constant series of changes and emotions. Water can also mean cleansing.
Meanings of tattoos on different parts of the body
In addition to drawings that have specific meanings, a part of the body is also important. For example, henna tattoos on the arm or palms mean an offering to the world. Tattoos on the back of the hand symbolize protection, so it's best to choose a design that has strong meanings. The feet are the only point of contact with the ground, so any design that is applied should aim to strengthen the connection between one's body and the ground. Although henna has become an art, there is some mystery in it. Therefore, it is recommended to learn about the meaning of the design, the results may surprise the owner of a new tattoo.
How to choose henna
Always buy fresh henna powder. It will give you the best drawing. The description for it should indicate that the powder is 100% natural and has no additives. Tattoo henna should not contain pesticides or chemicals. The best henna is usually finely sifted. Dirt, sand and other impurities will not help to get a good henna paste. If you try to sift yourself, you will lose most of the powder.
Black henna
The black henna used for temporary tattoos may contain high levels of a chemical dye that is so powerful and toxic thatscars and various irritations. This is due to a dangerous substance called paraphenylenediamine. Real henna, which is safe to use, is orange with a red or brown tint.
