India changed my life, what about yours?

This intercultural blog is aimed to be a point of convergence between new and old India travelers, it will allow the new comers to have real experiences available in order to enrich their expectations and make their own contributions. Not only foreign travelers will write and post their pictures, but also will involve the local´s point of view. We have invited a bunch of Indians to collaborate and omment on the travelers’ anecdotes.based on history and cultural background.

Henna Tattoos


I am not very sure how this henna tattoos are called, but I love them!

When I was first in India, in 1999, I thought hands looked dirty and weird painted like this. During my 2nd time I could not wait to get them done.

They look so beautiful to me now and I wish we had the same in Chile.


Most impressive ones where those on Wini's hands and feet during her wedding! Yes! an Indian weeding I was invited to ;-)

Those henna tattoos were absolutely amazing.

Fabi Pinilla


5:11 PM | Etiquetas: , |

 

7 comentarios:

Bernardita Ruffinelli said...

Regarding the henna tattoos, i remember alejandra vargas had the "great" idea to ask for a henna tattoo in her ankle, and the artist was very hesitant of doing it, as she told us it was "too low" and it was disrespectful to get that tattoo in that place; i can´t remember what was the design, but it certainly surprised us in the moment. As I have learned... it seems that in indian culture the "goodness" of the body decreases as you go down...

May 27, 2009 at 3:11 PM  
Pavithra said...

The henna tattoos are called "Mehendi" in Hindi.

It is usually adorned during ceremonies or celebrations and is an vital component of a bride's costume.
The intricate patterns on a bride's hands and feet look beautiful but the process of getting it done is rather painful.
Like they say, No Pain, No Gain.

May 28, 2009 at 9:09 PM  
Mario Yañez said...

painful???... why?????

May 29, 2009 at 6:50 PM  
divyatyam said...

1) Mehendi is painful only because you have to sit still while the henna is applied. No needles! :)

2) The feet are generally considered inferior to the upper half of the body, perhaps because feet are always in contact with the ground, and picks up dust, germs, etc. Hence, some people avoid using motifs of gods on the feet.

Ironically, we touch the feet of our elders to seek their blessings. It might have something to do with transference of energy - any one else has a clue?

May 29, 2009 at 7:21 PM  
Amit said...

Its painful applying henna in the sense that you gotta be sitting in one position for a long time till the mehendi is applied - It can take an hour or so..But most manage it....the other part is that you cant wash your hands for 4-5 hours after you apply it...so the mehendi stays and u cant help yourself if you have an itch :)
After the mehendi is applied, we usually keep applying lime juice from time to time in the 4-5 hour period till it dries...This helps bring in a bright radiance to the colors of mehendi. After 4-5 hours, we just remove the dried mehendi and then wash our hands with normal water. Care must be taken to avoid using soap for the first few days.

May 30, 2009 at 9:21 AM  
Fabiola Pinilla said...

What Alejandra got done on the ankle was the "Om" http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aum

Judging by what Divya pointed out it was a big huge mistake.
I remember that some people that were staying in the same hotel as we were got mad at her during breakfast when they saw the tattoo. We didn't get really what was going on, but they were very upset... and so was Alejandra.

June 2, 2009 at 3:52 PM  
Neeta Bhagat (WU 1995) said...

Just to add another perspective on why henna is an important part of Indian/Mid eastern culture. Very few know that besides its cosmetic value ( as in it dyes your hair or you can create beautiful designs on your body), henna also has a cooling effect on the body. It is applied as a wet paste on your skin but as it dries, it draws heat from your body. That is quite beneficial in warmer climates. Probably was added in the wedding ceremonies to cool down the 'blushing bride'.
There is an old saying that every Indian bride hears which is 'The darker the colour of the henna on your hands, the more your husband loves you'. Though would love to believe this in a romantic sense, the colour the henna leaves on your skin has to more to do actually with how warm your normal body temperature is!

June 6, 2009 at 3:27 PM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Followers