Mehndi originated in North Africa and the Middle Eastern countries during ancient times. One of the earliest documentations of henna use comes from ancient Egypt, where it is known to have been used to stain the fingers and toes of the Pharaohs prior to mummification. In other nations different Mehndi patterns are used.
For over 5,000 years henna has been used as a cosmetic and colouring. The Pharaohs had their fingers stained Mehndi style before they were mummified. Henna grows in the soaring heat of countries like India, Pakistan, Egypt, North Africa and other East Asian places.
All of the henna plant that is above ground is harvested and the whole is ground into a fine powder which can be mixed with hot water to a thick paste. By adding a range of plant products like indigo or clove other colours can be created.
African Mehndi art favours geometric forms, but in India, the Mehndi patterns are lace like and generally organic forms like paisley or floral patterns that cover the wholehand.One feature of the bride's wardrobe which has become popular abroad is the use of henna or mehndi to decorate her hands and feet. It's said that you can tell how well a new bride is being treated by her in-laws from how long it takes for the mehndi to wear off. Mehndi treatments are increasingly available in salons or you can get mehndi mix at any Indian grocery store for a do-it-yourself job. (But be sure to practice on paper first! Mehndi doesn't wash off.)
As more people marry between races, Mehndi evenings sometimes replace over zealous henna parties. Compared to the use of tattoos, Mehndi is a pain free form of decoration which lasts days rather than forever.
Many celebrities such as Gwen Stefani, Demi Moore and Madonna have all been seen wearing Mehndi. Modern henna based Mehndi stencil products mean that even those with a Mehndi heritage can enjoy this art.
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