In the warm climate of the Middle East, the heena plant, which has the scientific name Lawsonia inernis, grows beautifully. Over the centuries, inhabitants of the countries in the Middle East have learned how to crush the henna leaves, and to thus produce a powder. If that powder is mixed with mehndi oil, it can be applied to the skin.

Arabs chose to put large flowery designs on their hands and feet. Indians preferred to make fine lines in each henna / mehndi tattoo. They painted their hands, forearms, feet and shins with lacy henna / mehndi designs.

The original skin stains made by the henna / mehndi mixture were either brown, orange brown or reddish brown. Such stains contained only the chemicals in the henna plant, plus the chemicals in mehndi oil. The blue and black tattoos created from the henna / mehndi kits have additional chemicals.

Nusrut from Karachi Pakistan is our new member. In Pakistan Eid is coming 01 to 02 days after this post and she writes some lines about how Pakistani girls celebrate Eid. She thinks Mahndi is the most popular thing which Pakistani girls apply mostly. Mehndi Designs or tattoos are usually worn by women to beautify themselves to celebrate Eid. Mehndi Designs or tattoos for Eid are important for women. However, it is not only for Eid where women use mehndi designs or tattoos.

Muslim women and girls plan for the Eid celebration many days before Eid. Women prepare their Eid dresses and schedule the Eid mehndi designs.

Because Eid is important to Muslims, they want to look good during Eid. However, mehndi designs and tattoos are not limited to Eid. Weddings, Engagements, after having a baby and family get-togethers are also reasons for women to wear mehndi designs and tattoos. Any important event in Muslim is a reason for women to wear mehndi designs or tattoos.

When we compare to Indian girls with Pakistani girls there are many things in common. The main factor behind that the culture similarity. In this picture we can see a girl in hot red dress showing her hands appearing mehndi on them. In Indo Pak culture, a wedding is usually spread out over four or more days, two of which are the Mehndi or Henna functions held twice at the bride and groom’s homes respectively.

At the Mehndi, the bride to be is decorated with beautiful body art created by using of mehndi or henna paste. Henna is a plant, the leaves of which are ground into a thick paste. It creates temporary body tattooes that are deep orange or rust coloured.

Indo Paki brides get a real glamorous look by applying Mehndi. We’ll have more on mehndi in the future; right now, let’s take a good look at this charming babe in waiting!