How Did Making Patterns With Mehndi Become Such An Integral Part Of Wedding Ceremonies

Indian weddings are known for their cultural richness and grandeur. Unlike other countries in the world, our weddings feature several detailed traditions and functions, which means most Indian weddings last for days. And, some for months (if you include three different types of pre-wedding celebrations that last across days).

But for most people, the main wedding ceremony is preceded by a sangeet, haldi and mehndi ceremony. These are some of the main, most common events. There could be more depending on different cultures and communities. So much happens during desi weddings and each ritual has a deeper meaning to it.

Today, we take a closer look at the mehndi ceremony. There are many intriguing things to understand about its significance to our culture, especially at weddings. Take a deep dive with us:

The significance of the Mehndi ceremony

History Of Mehndi

Mehndi is made from the leaves of the henna plant, also known as Lawsonia Inermis. It is commonly found in the regions of Africa, northern Australia and southern Asia. The English term ‘henna’ originated from the Arabic word, ‘al-ḥinnā’. Whereas the Hindi term, ‘mehndi’, originates from the Sanskrit word ‘mendhika’, which means red dye.

Henna was used for cosmetic purposes in the Roman Empire. It was also used in parts of North Africa, the Horn of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Near East and South Asia. Initially, the plant leaves were dried and ground into a powder to make a paste and be used as a hair dye or as a nail colour. In fact, various other plants were used to mix with it to alter its colour (for instance, Indigo). In the Kama Sutra, the Vatsyayana even recommends using it as a lip stain. But aside from its cosmetic uses, mehndi was utilised for medicinal purposes as well. It was used to treat stomach aches, burns, headaches and open wounds.

However, when it comes to weddings, in older times, mehndi was used as a decorative dye in weddings of affluent families as it was considered a luxury.

Importance Of Bridal Mehndi And The Actual Ceremony

Spiritually, mehndi is associated with positivity and auspiciousness. So, the natural dye symbolises wishing the bride good luck and health before her wedding. The ceremony is organised by the bride’s family to celebrate a person’s transition into their new life. Interestingly, the reason the bride is decorated with henna so close to the wedding is to cool down her nerves and help her cope with any pre-wedding jitters. This is because the nerve endings of the body are located on the hands and feet, the sensation that henna leaves you with is stronger and helps with relieving anxiety. According to an old wives’ tale, it is even believed that the darker the stain of the henna, the stronger the love the partner has for the mehndi wearer!

Mehndi In The Modern Day

Currently, there are many different styles and designs that brides-to-be can pick from. Asian henna designs are mostly characterized by fine lines and paisley patterns, while Arabic henna art showcases large, floral patterns. African mehndi, on the other hand, is bold and features geometrical shapes and patterns found in nature.

Apart from this, there are many contemporary mehndi artists that are putting out their unique ideas and designs online. For instance, Zahra Khamissa, a sibling duo who’s designs have become incredibly popular with millennials and Gen Z brides for their modernity and minimalism. Today, henna has taken on a whole new flavour. We no longer have to stick to heavy, traditional patterns as brides and can play around with the designs, including motifs that signify their relationship with their and more!