M E H N D I
The Ancient Art of Body Ornamentation
Mehndi is a word in Hindu used to describe henna. Henna is a plant best known to the U.S. as a natural product used to color and condition hair. Henna painting is an ancient cosmetic and healing art where the dried leaves of the henna plant are crushed into a powder, then made into a paste that is applied to the body to safely dye the skin's surface. This is done in elaborate patterns and designs, traditionally in the hands and feet. The process is absolutely painless and in no way harmful or permanent to the skin. The result is a temporary tattoo which lasts up to two weeks.
Mehndi is practiced in many parts of the world. It originated in Egypt and the Middle Eastern countries during ancient times, and spread to India, where it has been used since the 12th Century. It is traditionally associated with romantic love and the ritual of marriage. Before the wedding ceremony, all the women in the family gather at a Mehndi party to apply the henna to the bride, so not only is Mehndi a beautification process, but it is a social bonding experience as well.
In recent years, Mehndi, or henna, has become popularized in the west by fashion and pop culture and is now a quickly rising fashion trend amongst women and men alike. Henna parties are a great way for your guests to experience the beauty of this ancient art form. It requires a stillness and contact that can relieve tension and be great fun at the same time. No matter how few or how many guests there are, henna at your parties is memorable, intimate, joyful, and filled with creative energy.
Henna seems to have a transforming effect on a group of people young and old alike. Treat yourself and a friend to this experience. Let henna be one more way to celebrate the person or people you love. The henna artist holds an open door to another world at the palm of your hand.