A deep dive into the history of the mehendi ceremony
Get to know the past that dictates your future.
Although the big fat Indian wedding has become a massive stereotype worldwide, the traditions still practiced today are lost in the mix of partying and celebrating. We all have been to traditional Indian wedding functions, and we’ve heard the myths of each ceremony, but do we truly know the history behind why we celebrate the marriages of our loved ones the way we do?
The mehendi ceremony is an integral part of Indian weddings and festivals. It is a traditional pre-wedding ritual that involves the application of henna on the hands and feet of the bride and sometimes the groom, creating intricate and beautiful designs. The history of the mehendi ceremony in India dates back thousands of years and is deeply rooted in Indian culture. So many people wear mehendi, but what do we really know about it? Let’s dive in.
Where did mehendi come from?
World-renowned mehendi artist and expert Jyoti Chheda says, “The original beliefs of the mehendi ceremony can be traced back to ancient India and the Middle East, where it was believed that henna had natural healing properties and could be used to treat a variety of ailments. The use of henna paste to create intricate designs on the skin was also seen as a way to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck and prosperity to the wearer.” Gradually, people began to experiment with different patterns and designs, and the art of mehendi evolved into a form of body adornment.
“Over time, the mehendi ceremony has become an integral part of Indian weddings, and it is a way to bring families and communities together to celebrate the union of two people in love,” Chheda continued.
The culture of mehendi
Although the ceremony has become one of the most fun build-ups of the wedding, the original beliefs of the ceremony were much more personal. The ceremony has evolved from what it used to be. “Originally, the mehendi paste was made by grinding fresh henna leaves into a fine powder and mixing it with water and other natural ingredients, such as lemon juice, tea, or sugar. The paste was then applied to the bride's hands and feet in intricate designs using a small cone-shaped applicator or a stick that was dipped in the henna paste. The mehendi ceremony was typically held a day or two before the wedding, and it was a time for the bride and her female relatives and friends to come together and celebrate. In addition to applying the Mehendi paste, the women would sing, dance, and share stories and advice with the bride. The groom's family would also send gifts to the bride, such as clothes, jewellery, and sweets, as a sign of their affection and acceptance.”
It is a joyous occasion filled with music, dance, and celebration. The bride, along with her female relatives and friends, gathers for the ceremony, where a professional Mehendi artist or a family member skilled in Mehendi application creates intricate designs on her hands and feet. The designs often include traditional motifs, such as paisleys, flowers, peacocks, and intricate patterns symbolizing good luck and fertility.
Apart from the bride, mehendi is also applied to the hands of other female members of the family and close friends as a mark of celebration and participation in the wedding festivities. It is believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits. The darkening of the mehendi colour is considered auspicious and signifies the strength of the bond between the bride and groom.
Where is it popular?
India is a country that is large and very diverse and is very culturally rich. This same diversity can also be seen in the many different ways this ceremony is celebrated in different parts of the country. “In North India, the mehendi ceremony is usually held at the bride's home, and it is a festive occasion where the bride's family and friends come together to celebrate the upcoming wedding. In South India, the mehendi ceremony is usually held at the groom's home, and it is a more intimate affair with close family members and friends. In Gujarat and Rajasthan, the mehendi ceremony is a grand affair, with the bride and her family dressing up in traditional attire and the mehendi artist creating intricate designs on the bride's hands and feet. In Maharashtra, the mehendi ceremony is called "haldi-kumkum," and it is a way for the women in the family to bless the bride and groom. Overall, while the mehendi ceremony is celebrated differently in different parts of India, it is a beautiful and meaningful tradition that brings families and communities together to celebrate the union of two people in love,” said Chheda.
The myths and beliefs
During the Mehendi ceremony, various rituals and customs are followed. It is common for the bride's name or the groom's initials to be hidden within the intricate patterns, and it becomes a fun game for the groom to find them. “One popular legend is that the darker the henna stain on the bride's hands, the stronger the love between the couple. Another belief is that the Mehendi ceremony is a way to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the couple. Some people also believe that the henna paste has a cooling effect and can help the bride stay calm and relaxed during the wedding. Overall, these legends and beliefs add to the magic and enchantment of the Mehendi ceremony, making it a truly special and memorable occasion for the bride and her family,” said Chheda.
The mehendi ceremony in India is a significant pre-wedding ritual that has deep cultural and historical roots. It represents beauty, celebration, and the coming together of families and communities. The actual act of putting Mehendi might be superficial at first glance, but the meaning behind it holds much more importance to all bridal parties. The art of mehendi continues to evolve and thrive, keeping the traditions and customs of India alive.
Feature Image: Katrina Kaif