Mehendi, which is also known as henna, and scientifically known as Lawsonia inermisis an important part of our culture. It is an integral part of every happy occasion from weddings to festivals. Even in weddings there is a whole separate ceremony dedicated for mehendi where the bride and groom apply mehendi.
Personally, it’s all girls’ favorite and why it shouldn’t be. It gives a natural good aromatic smell and with amazing designs it looks beautiful on the hands.
Our elders even apply henna or mehendi even on their hairs. It gives natural color to the hair and smoothens and replenishes the hair.
Historical And Cultural Roots Of Mehendi In India
Indians have used Mehndi for rituals and ceremonies since 1500 BCE, according to Vedic texts. The cooling properties of Mehndi made it a popular way to relieve stress and keep your body cool in the hot Indian climate, not just as an art form. Due to its practical utility and aesthetic appeal, it was widely accepted and incorporated into Indian culture.
Henna Or Mehendi As A Crucial Part Of Festivals And Weddings:
Mehndi isn’t just body art, it’s a symbol of festivity and prosperity in Indian culture. It’s traditionally applied at weddings to symbolize joy and celebration, as well as the start of a new journey.
You must be familiar that hands and feet are adorned during numerous auspicious occasions, such as religious festivals like Diwali, Eid, and Navratri, as well as at other pivotal life events. So, it can be said that putting on mehndi is a communal activity, fostering unity and festivity.
Also, applying henna is not just a tradition or tattoo art but there is a whole lexicon of symbols and meanings embedded in Mehndi patterns. Beyond aesthetics, these designs symbolize fertility, marriage auspiciousness, and warding off evil spirits.
A peacock symbolizes beauty and passion, a lotus represents purity and awakening, and swirls and dots mimic the rhythmic cycles of life, making Mehndi a rich cultural expression. Also, you must have noticed that people just don’t go with the floral designs but also with different types of bride and groom characters. So, it’s more like an expression of the emotions of the bride and blessings of the elders. You can check this beautiful peacock design below:
The application of Mehndi on the bride’s hands and feet is just not a profound tradition in Hindu weddings but also in a muslims weddings. Extensive designs don’t just look pretty; they have the power to bring happiness and prosperity to the couple.
I am sure you must have heard this one- It’s said that the darker the Mehndi stain, the stronger the couple’s love, and the more welcoming the bride’s future mother-in-law will be. According to this belief, Mehndi’s vibrancy symbolizes marital and familial bonds, illustrating the ritual’s deep symbolic meaning.
If you were to ask me, I’d definitely say I’m more of a floral person. I usually get floral and Arabic designs like these:
Another type of designs are like these:
Mehendi As A Hair Coloring And Conditioning:
In India, henna is widely used to dye and condition hair. You must have noticed your Dadi and Nani using mehendi in their hairs to cover their grays, and because of the mehendi their hairs looked like brownish and orangish color.
This is because of its natural dyeing properties, it allows for a chemical-free way of covering gray hair and giving the hair a rich, natural reddish brown tint. However, the mehendi culture even among elders is slowly fading away because of the artificial and synthetic colors available in the market.
Earlier, apart from coloring, our elders used henna in hair because it promotes hair growth, prevents dandruff, and strengthens the hair. To enhance its effects, it’s sometimes mixed with amla (Indian gooseberry) and shikakai. Also, sometimes with tea water and curd to get shiny and silky smooth hair.
Medicinal Uses Of Mehendi
You can use Henna for antifungal and antibacterial things on your skin that are caused by fungal infections. It’s great for ringworm (a fungal infection that causes rashes on your skin) and athlete’s foot (a fungal infection that affects your feet).
These conditions are caused by fungus, which henna inhibits, so it relieves symptoms and promotes healing. By applying it, you create an unfavorable environment for the growth of the fungi, so it helps relieve discomfort and prevent the infection from spreading.
You can also use it on cuts and wounds to help heal them. As a part of various medicinal preparations in Ayurveda, Henna is used for skin diseases.
Ornamental and Protective for Animals
Some parts of India apply Henna to cattle and horses as a form of decoration and protection during festivals. This is because henna is believed to protect animals from evil spirits and ensure their wellbeing. Keeping animals in this way reflects the deep connection and reverence Indian culture holds for them.
Here you can see in the picture below that cows are covered with mehendi designs:
So, that’s a wrap for today!
Final Words:
India’s culture is woven with the vibrant thread of mehndi, which symbolizes joy, beauty, and spiritual depth. With its deep roots in Indian history and traditions, it continues to evolve while still holding onto its core essence. The art of mehndi goes beyond mere adornment, embodying the hopes, dreams, and prayers of its wearers. Mehndi continues to flourish in India majorly for the weddings and festivities, a testament to the depth and beauty of Indian culture.
