History of Mehndi Designs / Henna Tattoos

The Mughals brought Mehndi to India around late 15th century AD. With the spread of Henna art, its methods of applications and patterns became more sophisticated. Today a wide variety of beautiful Mehndi designs for hands and feet are applied by women all over the world. The origins of Henna tattoo or Mehndi art can be traced to North Africa and Middle East. It is believed that it has been used as a cosmetic for over 5000 years. As per professional henna artist and researcher Catherine C Jones, the beautiful Mehndi designs prevalent in India today has emerged only in the 20th century. In medieval India a barber's wife used to be tasked with applying henna on women. Regardless of social hierarchy or marital status, most women from that time in India were depicted with henna tattoos applied on their hands and feet. The use of Mehndi by affluent and royal families in the past made it popular with the masses.

Mehndi in Hinduism

Mehndi is also quite popular with both men and women as a conditioner and dye for hair. Mehndi art on hands and feet is also applied during various Hindu festivals and vratas or fasts such as Karva Chauth and Diwali etc. in many cases, even Gods and Goddesses are seen to have Mehndi designs. An oft seen Mehndi pattern is that of a large dot in the centre of the hand, with four smaller dots at the sides on the palms of Lord Ganesha and goddess Lakshmi. All things said, the most popular and important use of Mehndi designs for hands and feet comes in a Hindu wedding where you will get to see some of the most intricate and stunning bridal Mehndi designs.

Mehndi in the west.

The popularity of henna art in Europe and North America is a recent phenomenon. Today, in the West, Mehndi is considered a trendy alternative to permanent tattoos. Many people have made this painless art of body painting famous by adorning themselves with beautiful henna tattoos. This is also because of increasing interest in the Asian culture as well as the presence of a huge Asian community in US, Canada, UK and other European countries. This is quite evident from the demand of henna tattoo supplies.

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