Crescent Moon Designs Henna History

What is Henna/Mehndi?
a brief history lesson

Henna, also known as mehndi, is the ancient art of bodypainting with paste made from powdered leaves from the henna plant. Mehndi originated in the Middle East, North Africa, and (in Hindi, the word mehndi or mehendi is used for both the henna plant andthe art of decorating with it). Traditionally, the hands and feet are painted before important celebrations (like weddings), and the painting process is a festive occasion as well. Usually a women's art, some cultures also henna the hands of men on the eve of their weddings. Henna has been used to decorate the skin and hair for nearly 5,000 years -- and has been found on the hands and feet of Egyptian mummies!

Patterns vary from culture to culture...in India, hands and feet are covered in intricate, lacy designs. In North Africa, more geometric patterns are preferred. In Pakistan, the initials of the bride and groom are hidden in the mehndi on the bride's palms; it is said that if the groom cannot find the initials, the wife will be the family boss.

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