Different Henna Styles: Arabic and Indian Patterns

I’m in Harare, Zimbabwe at the moment and one of my mother’s friends pointed out that my henna was an Arabic design. Since then I’ve been wondering what the difference between Arabic and Indian designs are as well as what I actually prefer. Having done some research, this is what I found;

This is a lovely example of an Arabic Design

The Arabic Henna Style has a lot of bold lines, leaves and floral patterns. The designs rely on a spatial quality rather than covering the entire area. The designs often leave big spaces between patterns made up of large shapes and some solid shapes, i.e.  completely filled with henna.

 

Indian Henna Designs are known for their coverage and narrative quality. They incorporate a story into the design such as a wedding scenario or musical instruments.  Indian designs often center on motives such as peacocks and paisleys with floral or lacy patterns.  They don’t often leave much space as Arabic patterns do and larger shapes are close together and usually filled with tiny intricate patterns. The designs often have a repetitive quality with parallel shapes or lines and are from the fingertip to elbow in terms of length. You can find out about motives here; Henna designs and what they could mean?

This is the perfect example of henna with a narrative quality

Modern day brides have adapted a trending Indo-Arabic henna style for their special day. A combination of the two styles has a greater tendency to be a unique pattern. As far as my personal style of henna, I like to keep things simple and pretty. You can check out My Designs or visit my Facebook Page Henna By Vanz

While researching traditional Arabic and Indian henna, I also came across these henna designs; Moghlai Henna, Pakistani Henna, Moroccan Henna and Khaliji Henna. I’m going to try out some of these for my next blog!

 

 

 

 

 

New Innovations!

You won’t believe this but…

Fashion Henna

Currently wouldn’t you like to know what’s hot with henna!

News Analysis

NEWS ANALYSIS

The three articles reported a story about actress Catherine Tyldesley, who plays Eva Price in a popular Manchester soap opera called Coronation Street. The actress went to Dubai with her boyfriend over the Christmas film break. When she returned she was worried that the henna tattoos she got over the holiday might cause problems regarding film continuity shots for the soap opera. She tweeted for advice on how to get henna tattoos off and this is how the media found the story. All three articles were written within a space of four days.
The first article in the Mirror ironically mirrors a press release because the bulk of the article is made up of quotations and the way the information is presented lacks a formal structure. There is a clear reiteration of the facts in the article as the first four paragraphs state the same facts in a different way. For example, the author uses several terms for henna; hand decoration, henna tattoos, markings and temporary tattoos. The author also includes facts that are not related to the story such as the age of the actress and her boyfriends’ name. “News is factual information that is new to its audience. It must be relevant to, and affect, that audience. It is about people. It often involves conflict, is dramatic and out of the ordinary” (Bull: 2010). The article ends off with another quotation.
Three sources can be identified; the twitter post by Catherine herself, a response to the Twitter post from a crew member and a quote from a colleague from the soap opera who was interviewed by the author. The interview made the story as the source said, “We have never heard of anyone coming into work with henna tattoos.” As mentioned in lectures: if it has never been done before then it is news worthy and people want to know about it. The target audiences for this article are the fans of Coronation Street; the picture however, is set to appeal to the male audience. The image used to accompany this article is close up of the actress taken at a slight high angle and making her the object of ‘male gaze’ (Sturken: 2009). Her relaxed posture and direct camera stare would appeal to the male audience because she is framed provocatively. The author uses a catchy pun on the word ‘tattoo’ for the title, “Tatt’s awkward!” to hook the reader.
The second article is titled “Coronation Street’s Catherine Tyldesley has the tattoo blues.” The word ‘blues’ relates to feeling down about something and the readers were surely drawn in by the title as well as the image’s inviting posture. Although the picture is less provocative than the previous article, the author coins her role in the show as Eva ‘cleavage’ Price. The structure here is the ‘inverted pyramid’ model (Bull: 2010). Inverted pyramid refers to the structure or model commonly used for hard-news stories. The most important, or heaviest, information goes at the top of the story, while the least important information goes at the bottom. The facts are presented in a descending order. This article makes no mention of a continuity problem and does not include the comment of a crew member on the twitter feed that the Mirror article presented. The author left the readers to draw their own ideas as to why henna tattoos would cause a problem instead of leading them to a conclusion as the first article did.

This article undermines the Mirror as they put the word ‘source’ in inverted commas when using a quote from their article yet continues to use the information. The author offers a different conclusion by suggesting solutions.

The Huffington Post article is the longest article out of the three. This media forum is quite popular for keeping tabs on celebrities. It is directed to the loyal fans of Coronation Street as well as Catherine Tyldesley. The information has been presented using a diamond structure which means that the most important information is placed in the middle of the article. The major problem in this article is that the author did not get the character of the actress correct. Catherine Tyldesley plays ‘Eva Price’ and not ‘Eva Prince’ as this article mentions. However, the author is concise about how, where, when, what, why and who as far as the story is concerned. The time period and location is very precise. The article states with who the actress was with and why. The style in which the news has been reported is opinionated however the article explains and elaborates on the fact which communicates clarity of events to the readers. The story unfolds sequentially and the quotation from the Mirror appears yet again but this time, the author makes the news believable. This style of writing is more for entertainment and is appreciated by readers as it is made enjoyable.
The image accompanying this article is quite different from the two articles above. The actress is portrayed as a humanitarian celebrity, as the picture was taken at a UNICEF function, yet still attractive and composed. This would appeal to a wider range of audience.
All three of the above articles are about one story and the authors have presented them in their own way. A major flaw is the reiteration of information from the same source. There are a lot of quotes used to make up the bulk of the story which is not attractive to read but offers an aspect of trust to the readers. This makes the story believable.
The sources used to bring out the story are the Twitter post and a second hand quote from someone from the program who had spoken to the Mirror. As mentioned in lectures, Twitter is a social media forum which is works faster than posting or publishing articles. The media chose this story because it allowed direct access to a celebrity and it was something new.
The crux of the story was that the actress could possibly cause a problem in relation to continuity editing for soap opera and that this would be hard to explain to viewers yet pictures used in these articles were all of Catherine Tyldesley as an individual. “Stills (photographs) are very popular with readers. They buy them” (Bull: 2010). One article used a photograph of her at a UNICEF event but the other two articles used provocative images. The article was about henna tattoos that the actress acquired over her holiday and there were no pictures of the these major factors; the henna tattoos, the actress in Dubai, the actress with her boyfriend or the actress in relation to Coronation Street.
References:
Sturken, M. & Cartwright, L. 2009. Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture. Oxford University Press, Inc.
Bull, A. 2010. Multimedia Journalism: a practical guide. Routledge.
Links to Articles used:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/coronation-streets-catherine-tyldesley-cant-1520870
http://www.corrieblog.tv/coronation_stre_1/
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/01/08/catherine-tyldesley-henna-tattoo_n_2429306.html

Maintaining your Henna Tattoo!

• Before you apply henna, wash the area to be decorated with a good soap and water.
• Henna, once applied, should be kept on until it is fully dry. This gives the skin time to absorb the natural dye.
• Lemon is regarded as a protective agent of the skin so squeezing a little over the area that henna is on will also be beneficial but please make sure there are no cuts and sores in that area because freshly squeezed lemon stings!
• Once the henna is dry, try scraping it off rather than washing.
• It is generally a good idea to avoid washing the area with henna patterns for up to fifteen hours but if you’re on the go then try applying baby oil and do so daily after washing your hands.
• Try to keep Benzoyl Peroxide, this is mostly acne cream and face washes, away from your henna as this will disappear faster!
• If you can refrain from exfoliating the area, that would be great!

Henna designs and what they could mean?

The meaning of symbols may vary across cultures.

I know that this information has been long awaited by many of you!

I’m sure many of you sometimes wonder if a particular pattern has a specific meaning. As it happens, some henna designs are symbolic. I will reveal what I found in my research! I was really surprised and I hope this material inspires you as much as it has influenced my work!

Henna forms part of many cultural backgrounds therefore the meanings of symbols may vary or be used to represent for different things. I have outlined the meaning of the most popular symbols that I use when applying henna. The most interesting ones are at the top so enjoy!

The scorpion! This symbol is said to represent love and romance, its sting is equivalent to Cupid’s arrow while being stung produces the same effects as being in love – glittering eyes, breathless, heat and feeling feverish!

Flowers represent joy and happiness while the bud, used widely by henna artists especially in bridal henna, signify new growth like at the end of a drought and at the beginning of a rainy season or as a metaphor to symbolise the start of a new love and a new life!  The Lotus Blossom represents the light within or the awakening of the human soul so to say. It reflects grace, beauty, creativity, sensuality, femininity, and purity. The sahasrara design is a thousand petal lotus-an ancient symbol which is said to unite the soul with the ‘Divine Source’. Very deep meaning!

Vines and leaves in henna designs often represent devotion and vitality and are perfect for marriage celebrations.

Birds of all sorts are incorporated in henna designs! According to tradition they are the messengers between heaven and earth. Parrots are the messengers of love! Swans represent success and peacocks stand for beauty!

Butterflies and dragonflies often exemplify rebirth, transformation or simply change. Intricate and scrolling paisley patterns can represent fertility and luck. Paisley’s are very common in any henna designs and they are the easiest patterns to master!

This is very interesting! An eye or Ancient eyes in henna art often represent the reflection of the evil eye that is, turning any evil wishes back onto the gazer while offering a spiritual form of protection. It is popular for weddings or any other of life’s journeys, a henna eye is a comforting companion.

Reptiles such as snakes and lizards don’t feature so much in today’s designs however they are considered the seekers of enlightenment in henna practices. The tortoise offers protection and fertility but is very rarely used.

As it happens, it is not only the symbols that hold meaning, it is also where the henna in placed! Henna designs can be placed anywhere on your body but certain locations are more significant!

Henna that is placed on the palms of the hand allows the bearer to receive and offer blessings. Popular henna deigns for the palms include mandalas, sun and flower images.

Henna placed on the top of the hands can be suggestive of protection and often includes shield designs.

For men, the right hand is considered projective whereas the right hand is receptive and represents women. The feet are truly a spiritual place to henna, as they connect the body, mind and spirit with the earth.

I hope you’re left as enlightened as well as intrigued! Henna designs are amazing!

Henna Today

This topic will cover all henna related activities today. Enjoy!

Using henna for decorative purposes has spread to masses and is constantly growing. It is becoming more complex and elaborate with new innovations in glitter, gilding and fine line work. Even governments have recognized the potential and encouraged henna cultivation. With technological advancements to improve temperature and grinding business is booming.

This fun temporary tattooing technique is practiced on a global scale. This is because unlike black pigment tattoos, henna is not a huge commitment because of its temporary nature. Henna is honestly a wonderful alternative for people who are too scared to endure the poking of a needle or are indecisive about having the same permanent design forever. There are endless designs to choose from when you’re sporting henna and once it fades, you can choose a different design.

Today, henna is very popular on Valentine’s Day, formal parties, girls’ night out or even an evening at a disco. Belly Mehndi, is an excellent modern addition to blessing way, baby shower or Belly Blessings ceremony. In its modern form, henna has been elevated to the status of body art and a fashion accessory for the fashion-conscious youth.

This eastern tradition is being used today to celebrate various momentous occasions. Many women like to have their bodies decorated before their wedding. They commonly have their hands and feet painted. Some even apply henna to their backs and torso. Belly Mehndi is an excellent modern addition. Baby showers are known to feature henna art on the mother’s belly while in pregnancy. Those who have experienced severe chemotherapy have also been seen starring very tattoo-like henna art on their heads.

Many celebrities have jumped at the idea of engaging with this art form. It became a trend setting form of body art in the 1990’s when celebrities such as Madonna, Liv Tyler, Xena and others, were seen showing them off. Heavyweight champions have been seen wearing henna tattoos to promote themselves, Kassim Ouma is one example. It may actually have started way before this because I can remember reading an article about Sting and his wife spotted with henna tattoos. Henna can be found in advertising campaigns such as Ebel Swiss Watches. It is also used for CD’s and the cover of popular magazines, for example Cosmopolitan.

The use of henna as body art has enjoyed a recent renaissance due to improvements in cultivation, processing, and the emigration of people from countries where henna is traditionally used as mentioned in ‘Origins and History of Henna’.

I think it is important to mention here that henna has come far in being used as a form of self-expression, especially for women as well as being a signifier of beauty and celebration.

Henna’s composition

Lawsonia Inermis is the scientific name for the henna plant. It is found in extremely hot climates namely countries such as, India, Pakistan, Morocco, most African countries and Australia.

The quantity of dye is higher in these extreme temperatures. The henna plant grows best in heat up to 120F degrees. It wilts in temperatures below 50F degrees. It also grows better in dry soil than damp soil. The plant has tiny white flowers and a fruit that has a very dry shell

The henna leaves are dried and then crushed into a fine powder. This is then mixed with a variety of components to form a creamy paste which differ according to one’s knowledge.  I will reveal these ingredients  in a recipe for henna paste below.

The paste is often filled into a cone much like that used for pastry or  icing . One can then proceed to apply it to their skin in the shape of the patterns they prefer. Henna stains only the top layer of skin.

After applying the henna , it is advised to wait until it is dry to give the staining process some time. More often than not, the longer the henna is on, the darker the stain will be. Once dry it may be washed off and the decorations should appear in quite a dark orange even though the paste may appear green or brown.

The henna plant contains lawsone which is a reddish-orange dye that binds to the keratin (a protein) in our skin and safely stains the skin.  The stain can be from pale orange to nearly black depending on the quality of the henna and how well ones skin takes it.  When henna is fresh from a hot and dry climate, it will stain the darkest.

The stain becomes reddish-brown in colour about three days after application.  The palms of the hands and the soles of the feet are the area where henna will appear darkest. This is because the skin is the thickest in these areas therefore they contain the most keratin.  These areas are also the warmest. Heat acts as a catalyst for the staining process. The farther away from hands and feet the henna is applied, the lighter the colour.  The face area usually stains the lightest.   The designs generally last from up to four weeks on the skin surface depending on the henna, care and skin type.

Henna Paste Recipe!

I will outline in a few simple steps how to make the paste out of powdered henna leaves. I have included all my secret ways as well as tips so I really hope this helps;

1. Once you have your henna leaves crushed to a powder, add lemon juice one teaspoon at a time until it has the consistency of toothpaste. Lemon juice must be freshly squeezed.
2. Cover the mixture and let it sit out for six to ten hours at room temperature preferably in a glass or ceramic bowl.
3. Add essential oils and mix. This may include tea tree, eucalyptus,cajeput or lavender. If there is a struggle with consistency, add black tea one teaspoon at a time to smooth it out. If the tea is strong it will add to the colour of the henna, that is, make it darker.
4. Leave again for twelve hours then your henna will be ready to apply.
5. Sugar may be added to slow down the drying process on the skin which would result in a darker stain. You could also use honey as a substitute for the sugar. This maintains the consistency of the paste.
6. Now fill henna cone with the paste and apply!

If you would like advice on how to maintain your henna once it is applied, please check my post for tips on this. Thank you!

How to make a cone to apply the henna

Tips for darker and longer lasting henna

History and Origins of Henna

Those who could not afford jewelry often used it as a form of decoration.

This will cover where the practice of henna originated from and why so?

Henna is a symbol of beauty, art and happiness. The practice of applying henna can also be called Mehndi (say “mehn-thee”). Mehndi is what henna is known as in Hindi and Urdu which are the most popular languages in India so don’t be discouraged if someone says “Oh! You mean Mehndi!”. Both names can be used depending on where you are or what you’re comfortable with. They are one in the same.

In terms of where the practice of applying henna originated from, I’ve discovered that it was most common in areas with extremely hot climates such as South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Somaliland. I have elaborated on the influence of these climates in my blog post ‘Henna’s Composition’. My family originates from the state of Gujarat in India but having migrated to Africa makes it quite apparent that over time, henna spread to expatriate communities from the areas mentioned above.

There is documentation that dates to over 9000 years ago! That means that henna has existed for centuries! Evidence of applying henna was found in Egypt. Now can you imagine how stunning Cleopatra’s henna must have been!

All those centuries ago, the desert folk believed that henna had natural cooling properties. They applied a paste made from henna to the palms and soles of their feet. Once it stained their skin the henna would act with an air conditioning effect. The henna stain left vague patterns on their skin as it faded away and this is what gave rise to the idea of applying henna in patterns on their skin.

There was a strong sense of division among communities which still exists though, in a less subtle manner, henna however was a popular embellishment across all classes and castes. Those who could not afford jewelry often used it as a form of decoration.

Henna was also used to dye hair as it is today. It acted as a natural conditioner and improved the dryness and vibrancy of the hair. Mostly Islamic people used it on their nails. Yes on their nails!

Women wore henna on their nails!

This was done as a sort of manicure when nail polish was not around. It kept their nails strong, prevented them from cracking and beautified them at the same time. Now you can put all those expensive treatments aside and try henna!

Henna was also believed to have medicinal properties which have been proved today and are used in Ayurveda treatments. It was applied when people suffered from smallpox, acne, ulcers, burns, swelling and general skin irritation. If you are interested in these treatments I would advise you to consult an ayurvedic physician before attempting anything. I think it is vital to mention that henna is natural and mixed or made with other natural elements therefore there are no known side effects however commercial manufacturers may add other substances to improve its effect. Please be cautious and if you would please read my post on ‘Henna Dye’ as it includes important information about the difference between naturally made and commercially manufactured henna.

Henna and Tradition

This blog entry will cover a brief history of tradition where the application of henna is involved as well as what it may symbolise. This piece will also touch on how these practices have evolved and how henna is used today.

In India, it is used in a celebration like Weddings, Diwali, Navratri, Eid, Teej or Karva Chauth festival and other special occasions. It also used for worship. It is characteristic of henna patterns to be quite intricate and most often applied to brides before wedding ceremonies. The bride will be covered from her fingers to her elbows and from her toes to her knees in gorgeous patterns. Traditions in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sudan sometimes expect bridegrooms to be painted as well! Can you imagine how unwilling they must be today!

Why do brides apply henna before their wedding? Bridal henna is a sign of status and celebration. A Mehndi ceremony is held for an Indian bride before the wedding takes place. It is often only the female family members and close female friends that will attend this function. It creates an opportunity to receive support and advice as it is associated with a girl’s entrance into womanhood at marriage. It is a time where women can separate from their regular lives and relax while participating in this momentous occasion.

The ceremony involves the adornment of the bride’s hands and feet before the marriage ceremony in both Hindu and Muslim cultures. Traditional wedding mehndi can be incredibly dense, resembling lace gloves. It often covers the tops and palms of the hands extending up the arms, and the soles and tops of the feet extending up the legs as mentioned previously. The patterns applied often incorporate indian symbols of love and fertility such as peacocks and mangoes. It is interesting that in some instances the names of the couple to be wed is hidden in the design. On their wedding night they search for their names.

In Rajasthan (northwest India), where henna is a very ancient folk-art, the grooms are given designs which are often as elaborate as those for brides. In Kerala (South India), Henna is known as Mylanchi and is commonly used by the Mappila community during weddings and festivals.

In other countries, such as Morocco, it is done for any special occasion. It is done during the seventh month of pregnancy. Henna is believed to be a way of blessing as well as protecting the mother and child from any evil or malicious spirits that may be near during delivery. Weddings, engagements and family get-togethers are some of the many other reasons to simply celebrate an event with henna.

This is when we get to how we henna crazed people use henna! If you’re like the Moroccans, any occasion is an excuse to apply henna. Be it as small as a little sleep over, a birthday, a henna party for ladies or a Mehndi night to a baby shower, a wedding, Diwali, Eid or charity event.