Mehndi art or henna tattooing is one of the
most popular rituals among Indians. A bride has henna applied on her hands and
feet just before the wedding ceremony. It’s a symbol of beauty, aesthetics, and
fertility and is considered a blessing as she starts her new life as a married
women. The art and history of applying henna in intricate designs is something
India is proud of.
Even westerners are becoming increasingly interested in
getting themselves tattooed with henna as it not only looks beautiful but also
smells great. And the best part is it is temporary. Henna or mehndi also has medicinal properties
as it’s a natural component derived from mehndi plant. It soothes your stomach
and skin and has other ayurvedic properties too. One can have ample design
options ranging from flora and fauna to other motifs with delicate patterns
that can all be drawn with henna.
So, let’s have a look at some of the most
creative henna tattoos.
Floral
pattern
Flowers as henna tattoo looks amazing. It
not only has aesthetic value but also has a meaning when used as a bridal henna
design. Blooming flowers signifies the onset of new beginning or life. One can
choose to get a detailed floral pattern, a lotus flower, vines, leaves or a simple
petal flower henna design. All designs look delicate and feminine when done
with precision and neatness. Basically application of henna can lead to the
formation of a myriad designs. It could be anything and everything. But floral
patterns are one of the most common as well as creative styles of henna tattoo.
Animal
instincts
Henna tattooing is among the most
sought-after forms of body art. One can adorn different parts of one’s body
with mehndi without any fear of pain or side-effects. Also, its temporary
nature gives you an opportunity to experiment with various designs. Other most
creative style of henna tattooing is getting animals drawn on with mehndi. In
India, brides insist on getting a peacock done with henna on their hands. A
peacock is considered lucky and happens to bring good fortune in the
post-marriage life of a bride. Also, parrots, butterflies, swans and humming
birds are drawn to support the elaborate henna design and symbolize the
messenger of love and success. You can get a little edgy and can get a cat
tattoo done with henna if you happen to be a cat-lover. When it comes to henna
tattooing, options are limitless!
Dreamcatcher
design
A dreamcatcher design has its origin in
native North America. People in North America are besotted with the prominence
of dreamcatcher design and don’t shy away to get a permanent tattoo done with
dreamcatcher as the main element. The intricate design and symbols that
together create a dreamcatcher can be drawn with henna tattoo. The dreamcatcher
is usually used to protect kids from nightmares and catch good dreams. Now more
and more people are becoming inclined to get a dreamcatcher made with the help
of mehndi. Generally it is a circular pattern with interweaving symbols and
designs. It is unique and creative.
Sun,
Moon and Stars
Apart from flowers and animals, other
creative forms of henna tattooing are becoming prominent. For example, things
like sun, moon and stars made with mehndi. Such designs not only look amazing
but also have a meaningful relevance. Getting a star designed with henna represents
your shining qualities. On the other hand, the moon henna tattoo signifies
lasting love. Not to forget, the sun design shows that you are a lover of
everything bright.
Names
and phrases
The list also includes another very
creative yet common henna tattoo design which is getting one’s name or an
important phrase made with mehndi. Some people like to get their names or just
initials designed with henna on different parts of their bodies. Others love to
get a phrase like ‘carpe diem’, ‘seize the day’ etc designed. These kinds of
henna designs show one’s intellect, passion and personality.
Other
random designs
Henna tattooing is so versatile that one
can choose to get anything and everything made with it. But the majority of
people love to get something either they are fond of or has some relevance to
their lives or identity. Most popular among these designs are those of dragons,
snakes, mermaids, roses, scorpions, hearts, butterflies, owls, feathers and
tinkerbell (to name a few).
I’m sure by now you must be tempted enough
to get yourself a cool and trendy henna tattoo. So, what are you waiting for?
Image sources: Sara's Henna, Danasokh, Pinterest, Fabulousdesign