Some facts about our very own Mehendi (henna)

          The history and origin of mehendi or henna is difficult to track, with centuries of migration and cultural interaction it's hard to find where particular traditions began. There is some historical evidence that henna originated in ancient India as a ceremonial art form. Others believe that Henna was introduced to India in the 12th century by Mughals. It's been used for at least 5000 years as a cosmetic and for it's natural healing properties. In 13th and 14th century Persian art women and dancers were displayed with henna painted hands. Arabian countries used mehndi for its cooling properties. Muslims used mehndi since the beginning of Islam. Even Prophet Muhammad colored his beard and hair with mehndi.

There's also documentation that henna was used in ancient Egypt to stain the fingers and toes of the Pharaohs prior to mummification. In the 17th century India, the barber’s wife usually applied henna on women.  Henna designs are used to celebrate any special occasion - /an initiation, a birth of an baby/ and remains a sacred practice intended not just to beautify the body but to invite grace and good fortune into one’s home, one’s marriage, and one’s family. It’s kind of talisman, a blessing upon the skin, believed by many. 

Most women from that time, in India, are depicted with their hands and feet adorned with henna, regardless of their social class and marital status. Marriages and henna in India have had a long relationship and the tradition can be traced back to centuries. There are special mehendi ceremonies held prior to weddings where the bride-to-be is adorned with mehendi designs. The mehendi ceremonies are considered to be auspicious and, it is deemed, strengthens the bond between the husband and wife. Henna was also used in religious ceremonies in ancient Egypt and Greece.

Black Henna or the popular mehendi among tourist: Facts And Risks

• Black henna is not the natural henna as it is generally made from other plants and artificial substances. Black henna is mostly used in popular tourist destinations and people get tattooed with it without knowing what harm it can cause. The reason why it is considered injurious is because of its Para-Phenylenediamine (PPD) content, which not only stains the color of the skin to black instantly but can also trigger several allergic reactions. Sometimes, black henna can even lead to permanent scarring.
• Some people even develop rashes, red sores, itching all over the stained area. The toxic chemical is also linked to severe edema, difficulty in breathing, renal failure, asthma, cancer, etc.  Natural henna when made into a paste appears green while PPD based henna paste appears jet black. Checking the ingredients of the henna packet will also give you a fair idea whether it is pure or adulterated with chemical dyes.

Being Natural is always the best. Untill my next post stay safe & enjoy this Ramzaan with fasting, namaaz, dua, charity, special food, shopping & applying mehendi.