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It is not documented for certain, but many sources believe that Mehndi tattoos were being used in 1883 BCE. Mehndi tattoos originated in Ancient Egypt, where it is believed that Cleopatra used it. -
Mehndi tattoos- also known as henna tattoos are a form of art. It is a temporary tattoo. They are used mainly in celebrations, like weddings and birthdays. When the henna ink is darker, it means that the love between two people is deeper This is apart of culture in Pakistan, India, Africa, and the Middle East.
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Mehndi tattoos play an integral part in culture because it brings people together. It represents important dates and milestones. It represents beliefs, traditions, religion. It is also a tangible expression that cultures rely on.
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Lawsonia Inermis is the plant that they use to make Henna ink. It was most likely found by shepherds who were out in the fields. The staining factor was probably identified when the livestock ate the leaves, and their mouths were changed to red. The countries where it is supplied from most are India, Egypt, Morocco and Sudan. -
In the 1800's mehndi tattoos were used as a form of lowering peoples body temperature. They used it to help with sunstroke and headaches. People also used it to treat athletes foot, fix cracked nails, use it as a substitute for nail polish. Aside from the ink, it actually softens hair and can strengthen the molecules in hair so people used it in their hair. -
In the 1990's, henna tattoos became popular in the West. Famous celebrities and people in the media had a major influence on this because it was being shown in the mainstream media. In the photo, singer Rihanna has Mehndi tattoos on. This brought more attention to the tattoos, and therefore more people began wearing them and getting them done. -
Henna reflects it's origins from Egypt by having popular designs that correlate the two. These designs are typically floral designs, animals, birds and cats which all have significance in Egyptian culture. -
These tattoos have many different meanings in different cultures. In India, the darker that the ink is, the deeper that the relationship the bride will have with the mother in law. In other cultures, it signifies the love and strength between the bride and groom. It is often a symbol of love, prosperity, loyalty, and fertility. -
Today, in the West, Mehndi tattoos are called Henna. It is in a long tube, with a small hole at the end so that it is easy to be precise when making designs. It can be used to make millions of different designs.