Talking about India means talking about art and beauty. We should forget just for a bit about the poverty and the misery and concentrate on what is India most famous with – its culture.
Mehndi is a special type of art. It is drawn on the hands and the palms of the people. This sort of skin decoration is described in the first Vedic books. The drawings symbolise the inner sun, which should awaken and shine with its gold the outer sun of the person. The drawing symbolise the inner light, which can bring us peace and happiness. According to the Indian tradition Mehndi is a drawn sun on the palm, which in this context represents the mind.
In the western civilisation, the Mehndi tradition is better known as henna tattoos. However, this is not quite precise, because the tattoos are permanent drawing while Mendi or henna can be washed away very easy.
The techniques
Modern companies produce henna cones, which are easier to use and with better colours. However, in the rural areas in India, the women are still preparing the colours by themselves. They grind henna leaves on a stone named sil and they create the colours this way.
Tradition
Mehndi is a ceremonial art form from ancient India. It was drawn on the palms of brides before the wedding ceremony. The bridegroom can also be painted and his drawings should match with these of the bride.
I personally find this type of art very interesting, and to be honest, I may even try it.
