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Mehendi / Henna designs  When I was a , during summer months the ladies applied Mehendi or Henna on their palms and feet. Green Mehendi leaves were procured and after dinner, the leaves were ground with water on a grinding stone and the paste was applied on the palms and feet. The paste was kept moist for some time and palms were kept covered under thin muslin cloth. In the morning the hands were washed and lemon juice and sugary syrup was applied. This was to keep cool during summer. The hands were pigmented and the pigment lasted over 3 weeks. Sometimes crude designs were drawn using match sticks for application Boys were not allowed to apply Mehendi as it looked sissy. But a small blob on the palm was common. Over the years technology gave us good grinders and plastic sheets and the Mehendi has become very artistic and easy to apply. The custom of using Mehendi is reported to be over 7000 years old. Some of the Egyptian mummies were found with stained hair. Ready made Mehendi paste is usually applied on the skin using a plastic cone (similar to cake icing cones) or a paint brush, but sometimes a small metal-tipped jacquard bottle used for silk painting (a jac bottle) is employed. After about 15–20 minutes, the paste will dry and begin to crack, and during this time, a mixture of lemon juice and white sugar can be applied over the henna design to remoisten the henna mud so that the henna will stain darker. The painted area is then wrapped with tissue, plastic, to lock in body heat, creating a more intense colour on the skin. The wrap (not a traditional method), is worn for 2 to 6 hours, or sometimes overnight and then removed. When first removed, the henna design is pale to dark orange in colour and gradually darkens through oxidation, over the course of 24 to 72 hours. The final color is reddish brown and can last anywhere from one to three weeks depending on the quality and type of henna paste applied, as well as where it was applied on the body (thicker skin stains darker and longer than thin skin). Moisturizing with natural oils, such as olive, sesame seed, or coconut, will also help extend the lifetime of the stain. Skin exfoliation causes the henna tattoo to fade.  In India , Pakistan and Middle East Mehendi nights before wedding ceremony are organised. Mehendi artists are arranged and all ladies in the family and close friends get Mehendi applied on their palms and hands. The brides designs take hours to complete. Intricate and delicate designs are drawn . Today the fashion is to get these designs drawn on the back of the shoulder, upper arm and sometimes on the visible portion of the tummy. Oo La la isn't that very appealing and inviting? Here is yet another artist depicting the age old sutras through the art of Mehendi.  Wish you all a Happy Diwali Creativity is knowing how to hide your Sources |
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Aakash. Happy diwali to you and your family dear friend. LOVE IS ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL 
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