The
tradition of Henna or Mehendi originated in North Africa and the Middle East.
It is believed to have been in use as a cosmetic for the last 5000 years.
Mehendi
History
The Mughals brought Mehendi to India as lately as the 12th century AD. As the
use of Mehendi spread, its application methods and designs became more sophisticated.
According to professional
henna artist and researcher Catherine C Jones, the beautiful patterning prevalent
in India today has emerged only in the 20th century. In 17th century India,
the barber's wife was usually employed for applying henna on women. Most women
from that time in India are depicted with their hands and feet hennaed, regardless
of social class or marital status.
It's
Cool & Fun!
The varied use of Mehendi by the rich and royal from very early times has made
it popular with the masses, and its cultural importance has grown ever since.
Mehendi's popularity lies in its fun value. It's cool and appealing! It's painless
and temporary! No lifetime commitment like real tattoos, no artistic skills
required!
Mehendi
in the West The introduction of Mehendi into Euro-American culture is a recent phenomenon.
Today Mehendi, as trendy alternative to tattoos, is an in-thing in the West.
Hollywood
actors and celebrities have made this painless art of body painting famous.
Actress Demi Moore, and 'No Doubt' crooner Gwen Stefani were among the first
to sport Mehendi. Since then stars like Madonna, Drew Barrymore, Naomi Campbell,
Liv Tyler, Nell McAndrew, Mira Sorvino, Daryl Hannah, Angela Bassett, Laura
Dern, Laurence Fishburne, and Kathleen Robertson have all tried Henna tattoos,
the great Indian way. Glossies, like Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar,
Wedding Bells, People and Cosmopolitan have spread the
Mehendi trend even further.
Mehendi
in the West
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