How to make henna patterns on the body?

Mehendi (Mendi, Mehandi, Mandy) - so called henna patterns. Unlike tattoos, henna is not injected under the skin, but is applied to its surface. Such drawings last only about three weeks. The application procedure is painless, excluding infection under the skin. Especially this herb has a healing property and will help heal small wounds and irritations.

History of henna tattoos

Beautiful patterns of henna appeared more than 5000 years ago in ancient Egypt. Closer to the 12th century, this occupation was taken to India, where it was firmly established there and became not just an ornament, but religious rituals. In Europe, tattoos appeared relatively recently. The technology of applying the henna pattern is observed in all nations, but each has its own characteristics.

Types of drawings henna

There are several styles:

• Arabic (Oriental) patterns of henna. This style includes almost the same flowers. The main color of the Arabic mehendi is dark brown. Drawings often resemble national painting.
• African patterns of henna (this style is also called Moroccan). Here geometric figures with rare floral motifs are used. Drawings tend to repeat the shape of the hands and feet. Bedouins, in general, prefer to completely paint over the palms and feet of henna.
• Indian henna patterns . Basically they consist of lines, dots and ornaments. Drawings of this style are not limited to the hands and feet. They rise higher, capturing almost all parts of the body. One of the traditions of some Hindu holidays is the application of beautiful patterns of henna throughout the body. Due to their style, Indian-style drawings turn out to be intricate, with many curves of thin lines, arches, lace motifs.
• Asian henna patterns absorbed the motives of Indian and Pakistani drawings. A characteristic feature is the painted fingertips.

All the styles of henna tattoos are now very popular, of course, it does not do without mixing.

Mehendi symbols

Each beautiful pattern of henna is a kind of magic talisman and has its own special interpretation. For example:

- the triangle, turned upside down, means female power, and the top down - the male;

- Octagon - protection from all directions and adjacent directions;

- the star is a symbol of hope;

- the six-pointed star symbolizes complete harmony between a man and a woman;

- lotus - purity and chastity;

- the vine means devotion;

- grain symbolizes abundance in the house;

- Curved line - an indicator of success and success in a career.

Henna, which is used to apply the patterns, is a powder that is obtained from the dried swept leaves of a cinchona tree. It is absolutely safe dye, because it stains only the dead upper skin cells. The more keratinized cells, the brighter the pattern. The most suitable places are palms and feet. Light henna patterns can also decorate the back, shoulders and even the stomach.

Drawings on the hands

The patterns of henna on hands take their firm origin in India. Since ancient times, a few days before the wedding, the girl was beginning to paint her hands. Patterns are applied very complex, but the result exceeds all expectations. It is believed that the brighter the picture, the stronger and more lasting will be love. After the wedding, the Indian woman rests from domestic cares, while the henna pattern is visible on the hands. If henna remained, then it is buried in the ground as a guard against the infidelity of her husband.

What do henna patterns mean on your hands?

Here are some meanings of the most popular ornaments:

- The bracelet brings love successes;

- the crown means the desire for power and superiority over others;

- peacock - a symbol of love and passion;

- an owl - a symbol of wisdom and discretion;

- the catcher of dreams protects from evil spirits;

- flowers bring joy and success.

More about the Mehendi values

In Indian culture, it is believed that the drawings on their hands have a healing property on the energy level. It is known that the energy centers (the so-called chakras) of our whole organism are located on the palms of the hands. Chakras follow the work of each organ and any part of the body. Getting on the borders of chakras, henna clears the entire body, absorbs negative energy and provides a spiritual balance to the person.

Mehendi fish is a symbol of fertility and abundance. In traditional wedding drawings - the desire for a large family and children. Patterns in the form of fish draw to pregnant women as a symbol of strength, planning a child - as the realization of a dream. Drawings of fish on the male body contribute to the multiplication of male power.

Mehendi hamsa is an amulet in the form of a palm with a protective feature. This pattern is used from the evil eye, spoilage, negative energy. It can be seen at the entrance doors. In cars, in the form of ornaments.

Mehendi lotus flower - has many meanings. This is generosity, and life, and the female principle. This figure became a symbol of birth.

Mehendi Indian cucumber - from ancient times is a symbol of fertility. In different parts of the world, Indian cucumber (aka turkish bean and oriental cucumber) has its own symbolism. For example, in Egypt, it meant a path to immortality, in Iran it is considered a wish for happiness and prosperity.

Mehendi butterfly in ancient times was a symbol of immortality. At the present time they are trying to appropriate lightheadedness, but initially it meant freedom and subtle beauty.

Mehendi lily is juxtaposed with purity and innocence. Its symbolism is determined by the number of petals, size. Five petals - five senses. The seven petals are the seven planets.

Figures on legs

Patterns on the foot of henna always attracted girls of different ages and statuses. It's no wonder, because when you select a picture you can show great imagination, because you can draw anything you like. But there are drawings that carry a hidden meaning and symbolize values:

- if the figure is on the right foot, then the person is firmly set on his goal and moves forward;

- the figure on the left leg symbolizes the constant search for oneself;

- on the right foot the picture says that the person has a pronounced egoism;

- on the left foot - a man is lonely and in search of his half.

How to Draw Henna Patterns

Sets for mehendi are sold in specialized shops of the city and on the Internet. The kit usually includes quick-drying henna, stencils, oils, thin sticks, scapula and other accessories. Everything is quite simple and understandable.

For those who want to cook pasta for mehendi, there is a recipe: boil half a liter of water, add 2 teaspoons of natural coffee (or black tea), mix well, put on fire and cook for an hour, stirring occasionally. While the mixture is brewed, sift through the sieve at least three times 45-50 grams of henna. Hot mixture with a thin stream add to the sifted powder, stirring and leading to the desired consistency. The resulting paste should be thick so that the drawing does not spread during the application. Add the lemon juice to the mixture and get a rich color.

Before applying the pattern, the skin should be carefully prepared: rinse the necessary area of the body with soap to remove excess fat, and remove all the hairs. So that they do not interfere with the work. Then, the skin is smeared with olive oil for a more saturated pattern.

Next, the selected pattern is applied to the skin with a special pencil or felt-tip pen and already draw on it with henna. You can use stencils, which are sold in specialty stores. As for the application process itself, it is recommended to practice on paper, starting with light henna tattoos, in order to feel the pressing force on which the thickness of the applied lines depends. Drying the finished pattern is best done under an infrared lamp in the heat or even in the sun. So henna will dry for a couple of hours. The best option is to leave the picture for about a day.

Maintain the brightness and saturation of the pattern can be, wiping it with a lotion of lemon and sugar in a proportion of 2: 1.

Henna Tattoo Care

If you follow a few simple rules, then your beautiful henna patterns on the body will last longer. First, you can not rip off dried henna and falling off pieces. While she is holding on, she is absorbed. When it is completely absorbed, it will dry up and disappear itself. Secondly, do not dry the pattern with a hairdryer. There is a risk of fragility of the picture. Third nuance - you should change the bath for a shower. The less the tattoo gets wet, the longer it will last. It is worth to cancel for the time of swimming in the pool, as chlorinated water contributes to the rapid fading of the pattern. If water procedures can not be avoided, it is recommended to spread Mehendi with a thick layer of waterproof cream. The most important is three days after applying the pattern in the morning and evening to wipe it with natural oil (coconut, olive or mustard).

Try not to play sports, as increased sweating can shorten the duration of henna tattoos. Patterns with time will lose clarity and brightness, and can even completely erase in a couple of days with excessive loads. How much henna on the body will hold on depends on how bright it is in you and on what part of the body the pattern is applied.

Color mehendi is not black! Yes, from the very beginning after applying henna dark brown or green. But then it dries up, falls off, and below it appears a picture. First it will be a bright orange color. Do not be scared! The next day the paint will darken and become brown or bright sand, depending on the quality of henna.