Henna body painting is an ancient cosmetic and healing art. The dried leaves of the henna plant are dried and crushed into a powder then made into a paste that is applied to the body to naturally and temporarily dye the skin in a reddish color. This is done in elaborate patterns and designs, traditionally on the hands and feet. The result is a kind of temporary tattoo, which will last from several days to several weeks. The process is painless and in no way harmful to the skin.

Henna is practiced in many parts of the world. From the deserts of North Africa to the villages of northern India, magnificent designs blossom and vanish upon the hands and feet of women as they have for thousands of years. Commonly associated with romance, love, and the ritual of marriage, Henna is a integral part of bridal adornment in Hindu, Muslim and Sephardic traditions.

Mehandi is an art form that traditionally has been practiced exclusively by women. In North Africa, Asia, the Middle East or any Indian or Muslim community women will decorate themselves with henna. It is taught and practiced largely in the oral tradition with recipes and patterns passed from one generation to the next to celebrate a special occasion.

Mehandi retains an aura of festivity and well being, it 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 is a kind of talisman, a blessing upon the skin. Henna painting in its purest form is largely improvisational and intuitive. Ancient symbols and motifs are subject to the whim and imagination of the artists and great emphases is put on intricacy and originality.