The Mughals brought Mehndi to India around late 15th century AD. With
the spread of Henna art, its methods of applications & patterns
became more sophisticated. Today a wide selection of pretty Mehndi
designs for hands & feet are applied by females all over the world.
The origins of Henna tattoo or Mehndi art can be traced to North Africa
& Middle East. It is believed that it's been used as a cosmetic for
over 5000 years. As per professional henna artist & researcher
Catherine C Jones, the pretty Mehndi designs prevalent in India today
has emerged only in the 20th century. In medieval India a barber's
spouse was tasked with applying henna on females. Irrespective of social
hierarchy or marital status, most females from that time in India were
depicted with henna tattoos applied on their hands & feet. The use
of Mehndi by prosperous & royal families historicallyin the past
made it popular with the masses.Mehndi in Hinduism
Mehndi in the west.
Mehndi is also popular with both men & females as a conditioner & dye for hair. Mehndi art on hands & feet is also applied in the coursework of various Hindu festivals & vratas or fasts such as Karva Chauth & Diwali etc. in plenty of cases, even Gods & Goddesses are seen to have Mehndi designs. An oft seen Mehndi pattern is that of a immense dot in the centre of the hand, with smaller dots at the sides on the palms of Lord Ganesha & goddess Lakshmi. All things said, the most popular & important use of Mehndi designs for hands & feet comes in a Hindu wedding where you will get to see a number of the most intricate & stunning bridal Mehndi designs.
The popularity of henna art in Europe & North The united states is a recent phenomenon. Today, in the West, Mehndi is thought about a fashionable alternative to permanent tattoos. Plenty of people have made this painless art of body painting famous by adorning themselves with pretty henna tattoos.
This is also because of increasing interest in the Asian culture as well as the presence of a immense Asian community in US, Canada, UK & other European countries. This is evident from the demand of henna tattoo supplies.
