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In recent years, Mehndi body art, also know as Henna, has enjoyed a newfound popularity as a pain-free, fashionable, temporary alternative to traditional tattoos. Thanks to pop musicians and Hollywood stars such as Madonna, Demi Moore, Lawrence Fishburne, Mehndi has taken off as a fashion choice for those seeking a new and exotic look.

Mehndi body dye is a paste created by mixing the ground-up leaves and twigs of the Henna plant, hawsonia inermis, with hot water. To adjust the tint of Mehndi paste, it is often augmented with similar powders of various dyes and herbs. The hawsonia plant is native to much of the Middle East, North Africa, India and Pakistan. While Mehndi is often most closely associated with India, substantial evidence exists to suggest that its origins lie in the ancient cultures of the Middle East and North Africa. The earliest documented use of the technique comes from Ancient Egypt, where the bodies of deceased Pharoahs were decorated with Mehndi markings prior to mummification. Many historians believe that the practice was subsequently brought to India in the 12th century, B.C. by the Moguls as they migrated to India and traded with the Ancient Indians.

The use of Mehndi in Indian culture is closely associated with the marriage ceremony. Brides whose families do not have a large amount of money often wear Mehndi in place of expensive gold jewelry. Also, newlywed brides are not expected to engage in household duties while their Mehndi decoration is still evident. Popular tradition also holds that the deeper and more durable the bride's Mehndi patterns, the better relations will be between the bride and the groom's family.

You too can experience the exotic and ancient beauty of Mehndi body art with the convenient JACQUARD Mehndi Henna Kit.

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