2. • Mehndi is the practice of applying henna as a temporary form of skin decoration,
popular in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh as well as many Hindu and Muslim
communities throughout the world.
• The use of henna decoratively is an ancient practice, with the earliest examples
found on Egyptian mummies whose hair and nails were often stained red. Many
ancient texts feature Mehndi art, and ancient fertility statuettes dating between
1500 and 500 BC have been found along the Mediterranean coastline with Mehndi
decoration on the hands.
• Mehndi is typically applied, for religious and cultural reasons, during special
occasions like weddings, before and after childbirth, and Muslim and Hindu Festivals.
In India, the names of the bride and bridegroom are sometimes hidden in the
designs.
• In different countries and regions, the application of Mehndi art is different. For
example, in India, Mehndi designs tend to be small, lacy and intricate. In the Middle
East, designs often feature floral patterns. In Africa they are bolder, larger, and more
geometric.
• Popular symbols often incorporated into Mehndi designs are: the peacock (the
national bird of India), the lotus flower (purity), and elephant (good luck).
• (source: The New World Encyclopedia)
