Henna paste is composed from ground mehndi leaves that have been sieved and ground into a fine green powder, before being mixed with water, lemon juice and drops of eucalyptus oil for easy application. Finally, small cones are provided to simplify application.
Make sure the bride refrains from drinking liquids an hour prior to applying henna for maximum color enhancement and long wait time as the henna needs time to take effect.
Origin
Mehndi is an integral component of an Indian bride’s wedding ceremony, symbolizing both femininity and good luck for their new life together. Furthermore, it serves as a sign of respect between mother-in-laws and daughter-in-laws and also signifies affection between both parties involved.
Henna (Lawsonia inermis) is native to the Middle East and North Africa, where it has been widely used by people for millennia. Made from its leaves and flowers containing natural dye, henna can be made into various products that serve various uses. Bird migration may have spread it further across the globe as birds carried henna berries with them during migration routes bringing it with them to new regions.
Mehndi design is traditionally applied to hands and feet, though other parts of the body can also be covered in this ink-like decoration. Mehndi can be worn to mark special events such as Eid, Diwali, Teej and Karva Chauth celebrations.
Symbolism
Henna body art can be an exquisite way to show one’s beauty and often holds symbolic meaning. A sparrow symbolizes simple pleasures and protection; brides who select this design hope for a joyful yet secure relationship with their new husbands. On the other hand, parrots symbolize love and desire – chosen brides may hope their significant others won’t leave them ever!
Henna paste also boasts some therapeutic properties, helping to lower blood pressure and soothe burns while believed to boost fertility in women. As one of sixteen elements that compose full Hindu womanly adornment or solah shringar, Henna is given to grooms to show his commitment and show their interest in marriage.
Decorations
Mehndi ceremonies can be bright, lively events that can be enhanced further with decorations to make them even more engaging and vibrant. A beautiful floral canopy can add both beauty and colour to any mehndi function; pairing it with bright curtains or wall hangings and cute dreamcatchers looks spectacular.
Mehendi is an elaborate pre-wedding tradition in Hindu, Muslim and Sikh cultures that involves decorating hands and feet of bride-to-bes before their weddings with intricate designs of mehndi. These designs represent protective images and symbols associated with protection as well as reflecting how women connect to nature through this ancient art.
Henna tattoo designs often include floral patterns and paisley shapes. Other popular motifs may include butterflies, cartoon characters/animals and geometric designs.
Music
For your mehndi party, hire a DJ with some upbeat songs that will get guests moving and ensure the space in front of the stage remains clear so dancers have room to move freely.
Daler Mehndi, known for his success with Bolo Ta Ra Ra (which sold over 20 million copies), first came onto the music scene in 1995. Since then he has gone on to release multiple successful albums as well as appearing in Bollywood movies.
Alka Yagnik’s timeless song Choodi Baji Hain makes for the ideal mehndi song to dance to on your wedding day. Its lyrics beautifully express how much love there is around her on that special day!
Hosts
As a host, it’s crucial that your guests feel welcomed and appreciated. Even small gestures can show your gratitude and show just how much their presence means to you.
Mehndi is a festival to commemorate female friendship, family, and bonding; although men are welcome to attend this party-focused on female bonding.
Mehndi parties typically include dance performances and games to keep the atmosphere lively and fun, and food and drinks such as chaat snacks (such as samosas, bhel puri or frankies ) and sweets like jalebis or gulab jamuns are commonly provided by hosts to their guests. Music plays an essential part in any party celebration and should reflect its theme or cultural significance while offering both upbeat music suitable for dancing as well as more relaxing tunes for quiet moments.
