Mehndi, or more commonly known as Henna is a body art mostly worn in Muslim, Hindu and Sikh faiths as a decoration to their skin for special events or occasions. It is a temporary design which lasts 2-3 weeks but you can make it last longer with certain oils and following after care instructions. It is drawn onto the area with a paste to stain the top layer of your hand or foot with intricate designs.
Historically, Henna was used by Arabs in the deserts of India to soothe their bodies down as it has cooling properties. Once the paste was applied to the skin, they would soak their palms and their feet to get an air conditioning effect. They would feel it’s cooling effect on their bodies for as long as they were stained with the decoration. I spoke to Arooj Tahir, a new flatmate of mine who has been brought up in a Muslim family in Peterborough and also knows how to do henna. I asked Arooj some questions about this hobby of hers, what got her into it and its cultural significance.
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