|
Mehndi Designs: Ornate and Fashionable Patterns on
the Skin
 Mehndi is a famous design originating from Africa and Asia. Artists
in South Asia, Southwest Asia and North Africa made the first mehndi
designs famous. Some other expatriate group and communities coming from
these places soon followed this tradition of applying a temporary design
on the skin. These designs are very popular and are patterned after
delicate and exquisite symbols and model. These patterns and designs add
color, design, character, and beauty to the one wearing them. These
Mendhi designs complement the ornate dresses and costumes of most Asians
and African who wear them. These temporary designs on the skin add
beauty and character to the already fashionable and decorously complex
attire of the Asians and African people who wear them. Mehndi is the
topical application of henna design to create a design usually applied
during special festivities like wedding and other important rituals. In
many cases, these decorations on the skin are typically drawn on the
palms and feet because the skin in these areas is naturally darker than
any other part of the body and where color used in henna will be most
attractive and sharp. The hands and feet contain a high amount of
keratin, a membrane of the cell having adhesive structures, which
temporarily binds to the colorant of henna called lawstone. The design
is more vibrant and noticeable in these areas that is why people usually
have these designs applied on these areas. The traditional color varies
from dark brown to deep orange. The henna once applied should be left on
the skin for at least two hours and not washed off by water to make the
color grow deeper and last longer. The area bearing the design should
not be washed for a day. The hands, finger, and feet make very good
canvass for artists.
 There are several designs to choose from. The
temporary designs for the hands and feet are so numerous that many
people who wear them usually choose from these variegated designs and
combine them in one deft design to make the pattern more complex and
artistic. The designs available can be mixed and matched to suit the
taste or mood of the person who wants to have these mehndi designs
applied on the skin. The hand and fingers can be designed by dominant
patterns and other minor designs to create a collage of different
effects. Some rebellious patterns deviate a little from the traditional
styles to accommodate the individual and unique tastes and styles of
those who wear these designs. The advent of the 21st century has also
liberated traditional artists and designers making them open to more
adventurous and ornate designs. There are now more and more designs
available for people to choose from. The artists have made it their goal
to create a variety of designs that would even adapt and echo the past
as well as the present style of people. The tradition is still alive but
now follows the different taste of the modern people.
|
