Mehendi is one of the most ancient arts of applying drawings of a different plan to the body using henna. There are several versions of the source of such a colorful trend in culture. It is now popular to make mehendi on the back and arms.
History of Origin
It is believed that this art appeared five thousand years ago in ancient India. Residents of the country believe that it originated in their territory. But it is not so.
Scientists suggest that henna painting appeared in ancient Egypt. It was this people who had the tradition of painting the limbs of the pharaohs, performing the rite of mummification.
According to the Egyptians, peculiar drawings make it easy to enter the world of the dead. In the Arab countries, the fair sex wore henna paintings as a kind of amulet. In India, it is a sign of fertility and abundance. Now mehendi on the back or arms is just an opportunity to decorate your body.
How to get "paint"
The henna that is used in the painting is obtained from the leaves of a tree grown in Egypt, India or the Middle East.
Now the dye is on sale. It is easy to purchase in stores in India. The best masters produce pigment on their own and everyone has their own secret recipe. Preparing a solution that lasts a long time on the skin is not so simple. In some cases, coffee, eucalyptus oil or lemon juice are also added.
Four styles
The mehendi on the back or arms is not a tattoo at all. The image can hold only about three weeks. A great option for those who do not want to make a real tattoo. By style, there are 4 traditional patterns:
- Curls with flowers. So they draw in the Middle East.
- Geometric patterns. The prerogative of African countries.
- Teardrop-shaped drawings depicting oriental cucumbers. This is indian style.
- A mixture of Oriental and Indian drawings - this is how the body is painted in Asian culture.
How to make mehendi at home
- Initially, it is necessary to prepare the skin for painting. When making mehendi on the back or another area, the body or limbs are treated with scrubs and wiped with essential oil, which helps to remove excess fat. The hair must be removed in advance, it can serve as an obstacle to the penetration of the coloring matter.
- You can use a stencil or water-soluble paper to get a smooth henna pattern. True masters apply the drawing "by hand" using wooden or metal sticks. Excess paint is best removed immediately. Otherwise, blurred spots will appear on the skin that may stain clothes. Ready-made mehendi on the back (photo) are presented in this article.
- Dry the pattern within 8 hours. Depending on the paint, the time may be slightly different. True color appears after 40 hours.
Peculiar biotatu will please about 3 weeks. Masters recommend periodically wiping the pattern with almond oil. It is undesirable to expose the drawing to water.
Which pattern is best done on the back?
When studying various patterns, one can understand that each drawing of the “Mehendi” on the back has its own meaning. Before choosing an image, it is recommended to study it well and find out what secret meaning is hidden in it. After all, this is a kind of talisman, which must be selected individually.
A true master can help with the meaning of the image. He will certainly prompt and advise the most suitable character.
Each specialist has his own mehendi catalog. On the back, the sketches are applied in a larger volume. Lovers of bare this part of the body will be able to boast of a beautiful pattern that occupies its entire territory.
Only some of the meanings of the figures are known:
- The eight-pointed provides protection from all directions of the world.
- The vine of grapes is a symbol of devotion.
- Painted disc: for men - the ability to command, for women - wisdom.
- Stars mean hope.
- The cross serves as a bridge between the earth and the sky.
- The curved line helps to overcome difficulties and obstacles.
- Swan leads to success.
- The moon symbolizes unearthly beauty.
- Small dots - love for her husband.
- Sink leads to victory.
- The earring in all sorts of variations personifies the creative nature.
The mehendi on the back (photo) are very beautiful and varied. Often these are drawings in the style of the Middle East. In Russia, this type of art is becoming increasingly popular.