All things Indian!

I've decided to do the indian style totem post, because I really like the colours and the intricate mandalas and patterns the Indians use. I've been looking specificly at henna, and indian textiles. I absolutely love henna, I think it's beautiful.

Henna is a natural dye that comes from a plant called Lawsonia inermis and is used for various purposes, such as hair dye, body art, dying materials like leather & wool, and even fingernails. It has been used for over 6,000 years across the globe, it does not dye permanently. It is native to regions of Africa and southern Asia. Traditionally it is used for special occasions, and even perfumes can be made out of it.

Henna was first used in body art during the bronze age, and called 'Mehndi'. Traditionally used for special occasions, like marriage where the women would prepare themselves to meet their husbands. The henna would be on their hands and fingernails.

Henna became popular and people would use it to decorate themselves and loved ones, and even their loved pets for special occasions, like birthdays, or to a gathering of family & friends. There was even a night called 'Night of the Henna' that was celebrated, but it is unclear when this was. Wherever there was Joy, there was henna, as long as it was avaliable.

Next, I looked at Indian textiles and decorations. Paisley was commonly seen throughout all the textiles I looked at, and a lot of it resembled henna. It is usually brightly coloured and embroidered in gold and with jewels and sequins. The designs are very intricate and decorated hair acessories, necklaces, and bracelets would have been worn to go with the indian clothes. A lot of western fashion has been influenced by indian clothing, here are a few examples.

Some Beautiful Henna

From: http://www.hennapage.com/henna/how/gilding/gildingpastes.html