Mehndi has become so popular that many industries are now using the designs to create beautiful objects in materials such as wood, fabric, leather, ceramic, stone, candles and glass among others.
This is an example of a very nice creation with glass (source: http://www.mehndiglass.com):
In the Indian tradition, the color of Mehndhi is very important as it is seen as a way to predict the future. The color, the quality or the intensity can be signs of bad luck or good luck, and they can even give signs on the outcome of a marriage.
It is necessary to explain at this point that only one type of henna is used for traditional Mehndi, and only one color can be applied. The way the color changes with time is giving credit to the prediction. For example, if the color on the hand of the bride becomes a dark orange, it means that the marriage will be a long and loving one.
Nevertheless, artificially colored mehndi has become very popular, even in India. This evolution is also explaining why Mehndi is becoming so trendy all around the World.
Although most of the popular designs in Mehndi are associated with love, fertility, spirituality and protection, the vine associated with leafs is a symbol of longevity, perseverance, devotion and vitality. However, the growing vine can also be associated to love and protection from the evil eye, as well as the scorpion design.
Flowers in Mehndi tattoos represent joy and happiness. When combined with leafs or buds, it is usually considered as a symbol of fertility.
The lotus has a powerful meaning in the mehndi art as it symbolizes the awakening of the human soul. It also represents beauty, creativity, sensuality, femininity and purity.
The art of Mehndi is full of significance and uses a very specific field of symbolism. Mehndi tattoo on the back of the hands for insistance, is used as an act of shied-closing and protection.
Mehndi has become so popular not only in India, but all around the World, that the fashion industry is now getting involved in its development. Mehndi is expanding every year with new collections of designs, new colors and new beautiful pictures!
Mehndi tattoos have been strongly present in Indian culture for many centuries. While it was introduced in India only in the 12th century during the Mughal Empire, is has been used for more than 5000 years in countries like Egypt.
In hinduism, it is said that Parvati, the spouse of Shiva, used Mehndi to attract and please her husband. As the effect on Shiva was very powerful, Mehndi got associated with marital fortune. This is also why Mehndi is commonly used before and during Indian mariage ceremonies.
This week we explore Mehndi! You will often hear “Henna” instead of “Mehndi, which is actually describing the same thing: a dye to color skin, hair, clothes and nails.
Henna is commonly used in Arabic culture. It is also the scientific name of the tree that produces the leaves from which the substance is derived. Nevertheless, Mehndi is the word used in Hindi or Urdu, two of the main languages of India.
Once the leaves are gathered and selected, they are transformed into a powder from which will be extracted the Mehndi ink.
Mehndi cultivation is made all around India. However, industrial mehndi is mostly cultivated in Rajasthan.
A new trend has just landed in Bogota! Besides being the new fashion, henna tattoos -when made in natural henna- do not affect your skin!
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