Bride Mehandi Design (1) Photos Pictures Pics Images

Monday, April 29, 2013

Bride Mehandi Design (1) Photos Pictures Pics Images

Bride Mehandi Design (1)Biogarphy Photos Pictures Pics Images

Source(Google.com.pk)

Vasudev also believes that mehndi has morphed into a status symbol—at least for now. “Henna was a traditional folk art, and in some cases henna actually replaced jewelry for families that couldn’t afford jewelry as gifts, so the henna designs sometimes emulated bangles and rings,” she says. “Today, mehndi has become trendy among all different groups of people, including those for whom it is not part of their tradition, and there is now a demand for ‘designer’ mehndi. There is a certain amount of status attached to having a well-known mehndi designer.”

Syma hid her groom’s name, Aamer, on her right palm in her mehndi. (Red Ribbon Studio)

But mehndi can indicate more than social status. Traditionally, mehndi has also signified a certain religious divide. Henna is typically used in Hindu and Muslim celebrations, not in Catholic or Christian ceremonies. But sometimes, mehndi has been the export from one culture to another—take the case of Bangladeshi Tehmna Raza, whose Pakistani friends applied henna on her for her wedding. And though she knew little about the henna tradition at the time, she went along with it because her friends were into it.

When shopping for henna, make sure you’re getting the real thing. Any henna paste that advertises “instant” results probably contains chemical dyes such as PPD, also known as black henna. It leaves a jet black stain after just a few moments on the skin. While natural henna has a strong earthy smell, black henna has a chemical or ammonia smell and can cause blisters, scarring and lifelong allergies.

Vasudev advises, “If you accidentally receive a chemical henna design, you should remove it immediately, and if you have any adverse reaction see a doctor immediately. It can take up for a week for the reaction to occur, so patch tests are not a good indicator of safety. Also, you may have a reaction on the second or third time you receive a chemical henna, so there is no way to tell what the future holds. There is also a high incidence of cross-reactivity, meaning you can later develop an allergy to hair dyes, as well as dyes in your clothing, especially the color black.”

Religious and cultural divisions aside, there are also other myths surrounding that reddish-brown tattoo. As Shah explains, “The most popular beliefs are the deeper the color, the stronger the bond between bride and mother-in-law. [With henna on her hands], the bride doesn’t have to do any household work—she is pampered and cared for.”

Namrita‘s mehndi. (Elizabeth Messina)

Vasudev adds, “Every family has different oral traditions about the meaning of henna, but the housework exemption is important in that traditionally the bride goes to live with her in-laws after marriage. This exemption from housework allows her to bond with her new husband and family. This tradition is also followed when a woman is hennaed during the childbirth time, to allow her time to bond with her infant child.”

Another legend attached to the application of henna has to do with the groom finding his initials in the mehndi design. “If the groom is unsuccessful in finding the initial he gifts his bride with some token,” Shah says. And Vasudev adds that sometimes, “It’s said if he can’t find them that the bride will be the dominant one in the marriage.”

But today, the complexity of henna designs continues to evolve. Traditional symbols and motifs, such as the face of the bride and groom, the groom kissing a bride, a dancing couple, Lord Ganesha, an elephant, a peacock and a dhol remain popular.

“The Arabic style, which includes lots of bold flowers, is very popular,” says Vasudev. “So are embellishments of glitter and gemstones that match the bride’s outfit. The Arabic style is faster to do than a traditional Rajasthan mehndi, and it also shows up great in photographs. Arabic designs are popular because they are something different but also very bold and beautiful. The gluing on of gemstones can complement the zardosi in a bride’s sari or lengha, while some brides opt for a design entirely in glitter that they can wash off at the end of the day, especially for today’s career girls.”

Of course, despite the trends, mehndi remains a timeless custom, says Vasudev. “For South Asians living in the West, many are anxious to get in touch with their traditions, and just plain natural henna is a great way to do that

Bride Mehandi Design (1) Photos Pictures Pics Images