FOR AS long as I can remember, mehendi has always been of interest to me, not because I am a girl, but because of the story behind each design.

For those who are not aware of this, henna is a natural plant dye, which, when applied to the skin, produces a stain similar to the tattoo, but without the permanency.
Mehendi is the Hindi word used to describe the artistry associated with henna. Traditionally, henna is applied on the hands and feet, and is used for weddings and religious occasions such as Eid, Diwali, and for the blessing on the birth of a child, or to bring good fortune into one’s home. Today, henna is also used to temporarily decorate the body as a form of self expression or body art.
In Guyana, Mehendi has now become a money-making venture. At every Mela, Bazaar, or cultural event, there is bound to be a Mehendi booth; it is a growing trend. What is interesting, however, is that though many are fascinated by the intricacies of these designs, they are blithely unaware of their true meaning.
Having originated from the Middle Eastern and Asian countries, most of the Mehendi designs are usually synonymous to nature. Peacocks represent beauty; swans success; birds messengers between Heaven and Earth; butterflies transformation; parrots love; dragonflies rebirth; and scorpions love and romance.
Flowers denote joy and happiness; and vines and leaves longevity, devotion, perseverance, entwined lives and vitality. Apart from nature, mehendi designs also make use of  symbols such as the zigzag, which symbolizes ‘rain’, fertility and abundance; and the ripple, which, besides representing running water, purity and life, also symbolises human emotion. Squares, on the other hand, are considered magical, and can be used to heal and protect the sick.
Also becoming popular here these days is the Mehendi Raat or Mehendi Night of Hindu Marriage Ceremonies, whereby the bride will have a party to which she invites her female friends and relatives to join in the festivities and be decorated in elaborate patterns by a relative or a professional mehendi artist.
Patterns used for Hindu weddings are some of the most beautiful and intricate to be found anywhere in the world, and are, in the main, elaborate floral-like patterns covering the skin like lace.
During the Mehendi Raat, the bride will be ushered into her new life as a woman. She will learn the secrets of how to be a good wife; how to please her husband; and what he will expect of her.
The more elaborate and detailed the pattern, the better wife the bride is thought to be. Intricate patterns take longer to design, so the bride is though to have a greater opportunity to be enlightened on matters of love.
Guests will receive Mehendi, though these patterns will not be as elaborate or as  intricate as that of the bride, so as not to compete with her on her special day.
Traditionally, the groom’s initials or the couple’s names are hidden in the patterns. The depth of colour that is achieved on the bride’s hands and feet is thought to be indicative of the depth of love and devotion the couple will enjoy.
So, next time you decide to have a Mehendi design done, choose a design that speaks to you; one that represents your personality. After all, each design tells a specific story!