History of Mehndi
Henna, the plant, also known as the Cypress Flower and scientifically as Lawsonia Inermis has been around for over 5,000 years. It’s exact origin has been difficult to place. It has been claimed by historians that the Mughals brought henna to India in the 12th century while others say it originated there. Other sources say it originated in North Africa and the Middle East from ancient times.
The henna plant which grows to be 4-8 feet tall can be found in countries such as Iran, Pakistan, Syria, Morocco, Palestine, Yemen, Egypt, Uganda, Tanzania, Afghanistan, Senegal, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and India, where the climate is hot. The leaves of the plant are ground into a fine powder to which hot water is added. Other natural ingredients may then be added to enhance its colour. The art of its application is known as Henna(Arabic) or Mehndi.
Archaeologists have discovered that henna was used on Egyptians prior to mummification. Sometimes mummies were found with mehndi stained fingers and toes. There is also reference to henna in one of Pliny’s letters. He refers to the plant as the “Cypress of Egypt”. There is evidence that the Hebrews of these times called it “Camphire”, and it occurs in the Song of Solomon (from the Christian bible) in the line “My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi”.
Considered auspicious or lucky, Mehndi is an essential part of rituals and celebrations. Although it is more often seen as a female art, men also decorate their hands. For example, accounts of the marriages of Mughal princes describe the painting of the groom's as well as the bride’s hands with Henna as part of the ceremony.
Indian Folk stories link the customs of decorating hands with Asha, the Hindu goddess of the dawn. Mehndi also carries great weight in Muslim celebrations in the same way. The Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) used to dye his beard and hair with mehndi and advised them do the same. Muslims use mehndi to decorate themselves during celebrations. My personal belief is that the basis of mehndi lies in its cultural and artistic use but has no religious significance.
Many people use Mehndi regularly and simply for pleasure – to make themselves look and feel more attractive, to encourage good luck and just to enjoy the beautiful designs. Some people, especially in India love it so much they dye the manes and tails of their horses with Henna.
