Mehendi on a palm: history, features of application and sketches

To date, tattoos are very popular. They, as a rule, reflect a unique personality. But in this way of self-expression there is a big minus. Tattoos are hard to put out. There is a great alternative to “lifelong” underwear drawings - mehendi. This art has come to us from the east and to this day is considered an actual way to decorate the body. Usually, mehendi is applied to the palm, but you can cover it with the whole body. It all depends on your preference. In general, let's understand what methods of drawing and sketches of mehendi exist. The history and features of the application of this "painting" will also be considered in the article.

What is mehendi?

Mehendi is a body painting with various oriental patterns using henna. This oriental art has other names, for example, mehndi, hindi, urdu. And, unlike a regular classic tattoo, this decoration is temporary, although it lasts long enough. In addition, this method is considered hygienic, safe and painless. This is probably why women have so many fans of mehendi.

Some do not know, but the mehendi patterns on the arm are made in 3 styles. Of course, no one can force you to adhere to one style, we can safely combine them and get your own.

1. The Arabic style mainly contains oriental floral patterns.
2. The Indian style is also unusual patterns, a sign of which are thin lines, lace, ornaments, flowers. In general, the hands painted in the Indian style of mehendi resemble openwork gloves.
3. African style is geometric.

Mehendi story

First, it is worth saying that mehendi is a rather ancient art, and it appeared already 5,000 years ago. It first appeared in ancient Egypt and only in the 16th century appeared in India. By the way, it was the people of the desert regions of India who first discovered the cooling properties of henna. They noticed that if you cover your legs and hands with a layer of paste from henna leaves, then it protects against overheating. Therefore, women began to gradually create whole ornaments on the body. Even today, no wedding in India takes place without the ceremony of applying mehendi on the bride’s body. It is believed that the bride may not do household chores until she has washed off the mehendi pattern. And the more intricate the drawing, the happier the young people will have. Generally speaking, all mehendi patterns have a sacred meaning and are aimed at attracting good luck and prosperity.

Character Meaning

Since in the east henna (mehendi) drawings are not applied simply, we will tell you about the meanings of the most popular mehendi symbols.

1. Flower. Floral motifs are considered the most popular in this type of body art. First of all, they denote femininity and fragility, as well as symbolize joy and happiness.
2. Tear of Allah. This symbol is also called Turkish cucumber. Most often, this pattern is applied to brides as a symbol of development, fertility and wealth in the family. Inside the so-called Turkish cucumber depict grain. It symbolizes happiness in the future home. And along with the tear of Allah, they draw many small dots that indicate the boundless love of the bride for her lover.
3. Lotus. This pattern is considered the most popular among brides. Very often, it is pregnant women who portray a lotus in their mehendi. The meaning of this picture indicates purity and integrity, and also symbolizes a healthy procreation.
4. Crescent. This is perhaps the most delicate and beautiful pattern, so young girls choose it.
5. The sun. Older women prefer to apply mehendi on the palm in the form of the sun, which embodies wisdom and immortality.
6. Triangle. This is another favorite mehendi in the palm of your hand. The meaning of the triangle lies primarily in protection from the evil eye and natural disasters.
7. Octagon. This is another pattern that, according to many, is able to protect from all sides of the world.
8. Drive Vishnu. For women, this symbol means fidelity and chastity, and for men - strength, courage and courage.
9. Star. This symbol represents five elements, according to the Indian people: earth, water, air, fire and sky. A six-pointed star means harmony between male and female.
10. Pen. This pattern is to match extravagant and creative personalities who wish to emphasize their vibrant personality.
11. Owl. The pattern of the owl was previously applied only by influential and wealthy people, because it is known that it personifies wisdom and power.
12. Peacock. This pattern is mainly preferred by creative people. Peacock is a symbol of beauty and grace.
13. Swallow. It is believed that this bird attracts luck, so if you need it, this drawing must be on your hand.
14. God Sri Ganesha. In India, the elephant is of particular importance, apparently, therefore, its image on the hand has a magical meaning. Even God Sri Ganesha has the head of an elephant and the body of a person. He personifies cheerfulness and well-being.
15. Fish. This pattern is chosen by those who want to soon have a lover. Therefore, if you are in search of a betrothed, be sure to put mehendi on your palm in the form of a fish.
16. Snail. This pattern indicates closure. That is, when a person wants to hide from the world and protect himself from external encroachment, a snail flaunts on his body.

Necessary tools

If you decide to make mehendi on the palm yourself, then you need the following set of necessary:

1. Pasta from henna leaves.
2. Lemon juice as a solvent.
3. Any essential oil, but preferably eucalyptus, orange or lavender.
4. Small capacity.
5. Special cone.
6. Cotton bud to remove oversights.
7. Stencil or water marker.

How to cook pasta for mehendi at home?

You can cook pasta for mehendi yourself. Of course, you can buy it in the store, in general, the choice is yours, but our recipe will definitely not be superfluous. First of all, henna, which is sold in the form of hair dye, is not suitable for mehendi. You will need to purchase a special pigment powder.

To make a paste (200 g) you need:

• Henna, pigment - 40 g.
• Lemon - 3 pcs.
• Sugar - 2 tsp.
• Orange oil - 2 tsp.
• You will also need a bowl, a measuring spoon and a plastic bag.

We start cooking:

1. Sift the henna powder through a fine sieve.
2. Squeeze the juice from the lemons, and strain if necessary.
3. Next, combine the powder with lemon juice in a bowl. The mixture should resemble toothpaste in consistency. Close the bag tightly and leave it in a warm place for 12 hours.
4. If the paste is too thin, add some more henna.
5. After this time, add sugar and butter to the paste, mix and again set aside for 12 hours. In the end, it will take you a day.
6. Mehendi paste is ready!

How to make mehendi at home? Stages

Drawing a mehendi pattern consists of three main stages:

1. Skin preparation.
2. Drawing a picture.
3. The final stage.

But first of all, you need to conduct an allergy test. To do this, apply a small amount of paste on your wrist and wait. If no allergic reaction has followed, then you can safely proceed to the drawing.

At the preparatory stage, it is necessary to wash the skin thoroughly with soap, peeling or scrub. You also need to remove all hair in place of the future mehendi. And be sure to treat the area with alcohol. Next, apply eucalyptus oil and wipe the skin with a mixture of lemon juice and sugar - so the picture will be brighter.

For beginners, it is better to use a special stencil. Fix it on the skin with tape. You can also apply the drawing with a water marker or a soft pencil, which can be easily washed off when the pattern dries. The pattern will look elegant if the lines are as thin as possible, and for this the hole in the cone should be minimal. If you made a mistake somewhere, do not be discouraged, remove excess with a cotton swab and continue to work. After drawing, you must wait until it dries, and then remove the remaining henna with a dry towel. Finally, treat the skin with lemon juice to fix and lubricate the mehendi with oil.

How to make mehendi on your own? Simple sketches for beginners

If you decide to make mehendi on your hand for the first time, then our sketches will help you with this. For beginners, the simplest patterns are suitable.

And as you gain experience, you will be able to begin more complex work.

How to care for the pattern?

In order for the mehendi pattern to please you as long as possible, you need to properly care for it. Here are some tips:

1. First of all, after applying the drawing, it should dry completely, most likely, it will take at least an hour. And those places where the pattern was applied in a denser layer will dry longer.
2. As soon as the top layer of henna dries, do not rinse it off with water, it itself will fall off at the slightest touch.
3. Within 8 hours, try to avoid contact biotatu with water.
4. The next day, grease the mehendi with essential oil.
5. Since the mehendi is afraid of water, for the entire time the pattern will show off on your body, try to minimize visits to swimming pools, saunas, baths, as well as the gym.
6. When washing dishes, wear gloves or lubricate mehendi with a sunscreen that is waterproof.
7. Also, do not rub the pattern with a washcloth.
8. Do not apply whitening cream on the pattern.
9. And do not wipe with alcohol-based products.

If you adhere to all these rules, then the mehendi will be bright and beautiful for a long time.

How much mehendi holds?

Mehendi will flaunt on your body for a maximum of 3 weeks. But you will notice its fading in advance, the pattern will become paler and paler. Since most often we wash our hands, the faster the pattern will be washed off with brushes. And with the foot, the pattern will also quickly wear out, due to the constant friction of the shoes.

Conclusion

Now you are familiar with such a way of self-expression as mehendi in the palm of your hand, we also offered you sketches on how to make pasta, you know, so you can safely create at home. I wish you success in a new business for you!