Mehndi is the art of applying henna ink too skin. The ink will set into the skin and the wearer will have a beautiful, temporary tattoo. The tradition originated in ancient India, with brides and some bridegrooms adorning their hands and feet with henna before a wedding celebration. The tradition has carried over into mainstream Eastern society. People still use henna as a wedding tradition, but in the past 35 years the traditional ink has been used as a fun way to temporarily tattoo anyone's body. It is also used in other sacred traditions such as pregnancy and circumcision.Henna is also used to die other things like hair, fingernails and textiles (including leather). Many people color their hair with henna, giving it a beautiful and natural red color. There is also mehndi designs in different colors. Indigo, which is a blue hue is also a stain used for skin and other mediums. The Indigo tradition originates from the Celtic and is less popular than henna. Gilding and glitter are also types of mehndi and henna patterns. These two styles have emerged in the last decade and are growing in popularity.
Visit my Henna Pinterest for more inspirational pictures.
Check out the Henna Page for more history behind the henna practice.
Great design for beginners
See the Bride and Groom in this henna design
Red henna and Gilding
