Beautiful application of henna patterns on the body is called mehendi. This type of jewelry originated in India and the Middle East several centuries ago. Each ornament, regardless of culture, carries a sacred meaning, being a talisman and protecting from evil eye and damage. Mehendi on the belly of a woman carrying a child is especially protected.
Techniques for applying mehendi
Drawing patterns on the body using the mehendi technique is performed in several styles. The most difficult and time-consuming is the Indian drawing of the mehndi. Unusual patterns resembling lace fill large areas on the body. They are often applied to hands from the hand to the shoulder and to areas from the foot to the knees. Mehendi in the lower abdomen also looks original.
In the Middle East, craftsmen apply mainly ornaments and floral motifs to the body, reminiscent of embroidery. Moroccan technique contains geometric shapes with well-defined contours. In the Indonesian style, Indian lace and floral elements, characteristic of the Arabic technique of applying patterns, are mixed.
Modern application of mehendi does not exclude the mixing of patterns and drawings, borrowed from different techniques.
Mehendi Symbolism
Women of India, painting their body, believe in the power of mehendi and that ornaments will bring them good luck. For brides, the symbols promise prosperity, wealth in the family, care and love of the husband. Mehendi on the stomach protect the child and his mother from external influences of adverse forces. Elements containing flowers and buds represent a new life and prosperity. Climbing plants protect from the evil eye, and peacock applied to the body means wisdom. The origin of new life and fertility are indicated by seed points. The mehendi on the pregnant belly often has round motives, indicating chastity and fidelity, as well as a new round of life.
Drawings for those who are expecting a baby
One of the popular ornaments is considered to be the god of wisdom Sri Ganesha. The face of Ganesha is the head of an elephant and the body of a child. In this regard, he is considered the patron saint of children, and often mehendi on his stomach contain his image. It is believed that it helps the birth of a child, its further development and growth. The head of God is the embodiment of power, the body is a symbol of innocence, the trunk is a connection with the cosmos. The four hands of Ganesha symbolize the goals of man. The hatchet in one overcomes difficulties and obstacles in life. Lasso is the connection of man’s spirituality with God. The lotus symbolizes self-realization, the last hand blesses its followers. The mehendi on his stomach, the photo of which is shown below, contains a small mouse that serves as a means of transportation for Ganesha. The presence of this animal symbolizes the victory over egoism.
Another symbol that is depicted in the mehendi on the stomach is the lotus. This flower denotes purity, fertility, spirituality and the birth of a new life. Such an ornament is suitable for brides or those who are already expecting a child.
Drawing and caring for characters
Ornaments are applied to the body with natural henna. The solution can be purchased in a specialized store, but the masters prepare it themselves, achieving a brighter color and resistance to external influences. Natural color mehendi should be dark brown.
Before applying the ornament, the skin is cleaned and lubricated with lemon juice for deeper penetration of the paint. For a brighter picture, especially for a large mehendi on the stomach, the photo of which is shown below, it is better to lie down and wait until the mixture dries and crumbles, since the patterns appear lighter on more delicate parts of the body. Initially, the color of the ornament is light red, but subsequently it darkens. Applying mehendi is absolutely painless and safe. The pattern is drawn with a tube of coloring henna or a little bag that you can make yourself. To do this, fold the bag, forming a bag, and fill with paint 2/3. The tip is cut off so that when pressed, the mixture protrudes from it.
It is not recommended to wash the areas of the body on which the drawing is applied for the first 8 hours. If necessary, it is better not to rub them, but rinse with warm water. The drawing, applied with natural henna, remains bright for about 2-3 weeks. It is desirable that the room in which the procedure is carried out is warm.
If you have a desire to remove the image, enough soap and a washcloth with which you carefully erase the pattern.
The most suitable time of year for applying mehendi is summer. The amazing pattern attracts universal attention with its unusualness and decorates the body, raising the mood and pleasing to the eye.