The
art of Mehendi (henna) has been in existence since ages. Also known as
Henna, Mehendi is a temporary art of skin decoration. However, not much is
known about the birth of this art form. Many opine that its usage began in
India and others believe that Egyptians who first came forward with this
art. Earlier mehendi was used as a cosmetic and also as a healer. This 5000
year tradition of mehendi is a craze today amongst the youngsters as a
decorative element.
In India every ceremony is accompanied by Mehendi. In fact Indian weddings
are considered incomplete without the use of Mehendi. The henna used for
mehendi comes from a bush known as Lawsonia Inermis. This bush is grown in
Sudan, India Egypt, most of the North African countries, Middle East and
other hot and dry places. This art because of its temporary nature is
favoured widely.
The art of mehendi is considered to be very significant and is said to be
associated with lots of things. A good dark hue of mehendi is a symbol of
good luck for the married couples. There are certain traditional designs of
mehendi that are very common are the peacock, lotus flower, elephant with a
raised trunk.
Craze in India & Abroad
From being a traditional symbol to being a fashion trend, mehendi in India
has undergone great change. It won't be wrong to say that even this art has
become global. Not only in various parts of India but also abroad, people
have started using mehendi as a requisite element of adorning oneself.
Several Hollywood stars including Demi Moore, Madonna, Naomi Campbell and
Shakira have gone crazy after this exclusive colourful art. The reddish
brown colour of mehendi today is enhanced by a variety of shades and
glitters that adds an extra charm to the entire skin decoration.
Art of Tattoo
Tatoo is a traditional art, very much prevalent in India and involves
inserting of various colourful pigments in to the skin. The art of tatoo is
painful as compared to Mehendi which is absolutely painless. Rajasthani
tatoos are famous across the globe and attracts a number of tourists to the
land for the same. Women in India are extremely fond of tattooing themselves
as they believe the art can enhance their beauty and health.
The local tattooers first finalise the design according to the interest of
the tourists. Then they use the sewing needle and puncture them on the skin
to carve the required pattern. The whole process causes great pain. At th
end, the sap of various herbs are applied on the skin as an antiseptic.
Common Designs
Some of the common designs of tattoo are - dot patterns, circles, crescents
on the face, parrots, scorpions, flowers and a host of images of Gods and
goddesses. A wide variety of floral patterns are also used. Many women in
India also get the names of their husbands tattooed on their bodies.
