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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[File:Mehndi_front.JPG|thumb|Mehndi_front]] [[file:Mehndi_02.JPG|right|thumb|Mehndi_02]] [[file:Scuola_di_jaipur,_mehandi,_xix_secolo.jpg|right|thumb|Scuola_di_jaipur,_mehandi,_xix_secolo]] [[file:Final_Mehndi_(Henna_Tattoo).theora.ogv|thumb|Final_Mehndi_(Henna_Tattoo).theora.ogv]] [[file:Mehndi.jpg|thumb|Mehndi]] [[file:Mehendi_decoration_on_feet.jpg|thumb|Mehendi_decoration_on_feet]] {{Short description|Traditional art of henna body painting}}<br />
{{Infobox cultural practice<br />
| title = Mehndi<br />
| image = Mehndi.jpg<br />
| caption = Mehndi applied on a hand<br />
| genre = Body art<br />
| involved = [[Henna]]<br />
| origin = [[Ancient India]]<br />
}}<br />
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'''Mehndi''' is a form of body art originating from the [[Indian subcontinent]], in which decorative designs are created on a person's body using a paste, created from the powdered dry leaves of the [[henna]] plant (''Lawsonia inermis''). Ancient in origin, mehndi is still a popular form of body art among the women of [[India]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Pakistan]], [[Nepal]], the [[Maldives]], and [[Sri Lanka]], and is also popular among women in the [[Middle East]] and [[North Africa]].<br />
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== History ==<br />
The use of mehndi and [[turmeric]] is described in the earliest [[Hindu]] [[Vedic]] ritual books. Haldi (staining oneself with turmeric paste) as well as mehndi are [[Vedic]] customs, intended to be a symbolic representation of the outer and the inner sun. Vedic customs are centered on the idea of "awakening the inner light".<br />
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== Application ==<br />
Mehndi is typically applied during special [[Hindu]] weddings and [[Hindu festivals]] like [[Karva Chauth]], [[Vat Purnima]], [[Diwali]], [[Bhai Dooj]], [[Teej]], [[Eid-ul-Fitr]] and [[Eid-ul-Adha]]. In [[Hindu]] festivals, many women have henna applied to their hands and feet. It is usually drawn on the palms and feet, where the color will be darkest because the skin contains higher levels of [[keratin]] which binds temporarily to [[lawsone]], the colorant of henna.<br />
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== Cultural Significance ==<br />
In [[India]], [[Pakistan]], and [[Bangladesh]], the night before the wedding is dedicated to decorating the bride with mehndi. The event is known as the "mehndi night" and is often a grand celebration with music, dance, and traditional food. The designs are typically intricate and can take hours to apply. It is believed that the darker the mehndi, the deeper the love between the couple.<br />
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== Patterns and Designs ==<br />
Mehndi designs can vary significantly depending on the region and culture. Indian designs are known for their intricate patterns of [[paisley]], [[floral]], and [[geometric]] shapes. Arabic designs are usually less intricate and feature larger floral patterns. African designs are bold and large, often resembling [[tribal]] patterns.<br />
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== Modern Usage ==<br />
In recent years, mehndi has gained popularity in the [[Western world]] as a temporary form of skin decoration. It is often seen at music festivals, cultural events, and even as a form of self-expression similar to [[tattoos]].<br />
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== Related Pages ==<br />
* [[Henna]]<br />
* [[Body art]]<br />
* [[Tattoo]]<br />
* [[Indian culture]]<br />
* [[Wedding traditions]]<br />
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== Categories ==<br />
[[Category:Body art]]<br />
[[Category:Indian culture]]<br />
[[Category:Wedding traditions]]<br />
[[Category:Temporary tattoos]]<br />
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