Weddings are a time to celebrate, like all festive occasions and rituals it brings happiness and harmony, renews family ties, strengthens bonds of friendship and spreads merriment.

The age old custom of women applying mehndi or henna to adorn the hands and feet originated as early as the 12th century, in the Middle East, and thereafter spread to South Asia and some parts of Africa. This ancient art is now becoming increasingly popular in many European countries and in the United States.

History reveals that, mehndi patterns reflect distinct styles, depending on their country of origin. The Sub-continent has delicate, intricate patterns of paisleys, while the Africans prefer large geometric shapes. The Middle Eastern States replicated the Arabs, in their designs and motifs created in miniature paintings, textiles and carvings.

While bridal fashions, hairstyles and embroidery have evolved over the centuries, the trend of mehndi designs applied to brides in the Middle East left an indelible mark from history (almost patented), and even today the primitive patterns of mehndi styles in the Middle East are symbolic in appearance from it’s neighbouring countries.

Bridal mehndi styles in the Middle East can be distinguished by:

• Large bold pattern of flowers centering the palm, and creeping vines with closed flower buds and leaves decorating the fingers.
• Chunky mystical motifs in abstract forms, seashells and shapes of symmetrical designs are also very popular.
• The colour is mehndi is usually black or dark brown.
• Blocks of colour cover the finger tips and toes, as though these have been dipped in a bowl of mehndi.

The ‘rasam-e-henna’ or ritual of mehndi applied to a bride, takes place a day or two before the wedding; it has valuable significance in different cultures. Some consider it a form of blessing; others believe it brings good luck and happiness, as well as increases fertility.

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