Mehendi-hand drawing using henna from India
Traditionally, intricate patterns are drawn on the hands,
arms and feet using a mixture of dried, powdered henna leaves and water
with a little lime. The mix is applied either by using a cone like cake
decorating or a thin stick. The mixture is allowed to dry and an orange-red
stain appears once the henna is rubbed off the skin. The patterns are intricate
and very much a part of the wedding celebration.
An adaptation is to have the girls trace their hand and use orange markers
to make intricate designs on 'their hands' (a paper cut-out of their hands?).
Parents would be happier with this than actually doing Mehendi as it can
take 2-3 weeks to wear off.
Contributed by:
Marion Lougheed
Red Willow Creek District, Aurora
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This page last updated August 5th, 1999