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. Q: What’s your main interest in Henna? A: It's linked to how the designs are intricate. I love being able to express a design through such a beautiful piece of art. Also, not everyone is able to do it so I feel as if it’s something quite different to be able to master and be able to enjoy it as a hobby. Q: Are you still able to do it often? A: As I'm at university now, my main priority is doing the work for my degree otherwise I would love to be able to do it as much as I used to. I think the last time I actually did it was about a year ago. I guess my future is more important than a small hobby even though I enjoy it so much. Q: Would you charge people for a design and if so how much? A: Charging depends obviously. If it’s my friends, then there isn’t a charge but if it’s for a ceremony or party and I was asked to do it then I would charge £3. My prices are always the same. I don’t like the fact people over charge, it’s just intricate patterns so it’s not too difficult when you get the hang of it. Q: Were you influenced by anyone to get into it? A: My main influence was that growing up, all my cousins had it on who I was around regularly but I didn’t have it on as there was about 5 of us girls, my sisters, and it would get too costly for my mum paying for us all. They used to charge quite a bit around £8-15 each for only one hand for us all. However, when I had Instagram not too long ago, I liked following pages of daily Henna inspiration, @hennanspire and would post pictures of Mehndi (Henna) as it’s so beautiful to look at but I could also get design ideas for if I was to get it done or someone asking for it to be done by me. My cousin also had a page on Instagram as she would do bridal henna and post that online which I used to follow. Q: Where did you learn to do it? A: When I was younger, we used to have these little books with patterns and designs in them so it started from there. Just copying those onto the skin with a henna pen. Q: What’s the cultural significance of mehndi and how does it signify Asian culture? A: The cultural significance is that we have two religious days after we fast, Eid-ul- Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, where we come together as a community and celebrate. Henna is a way to show beauty. Another way is on weddings for the bride to feel beautiful as it demonstrates love and strength. She will usually have it on her hands and feet. Q: Do you prefer to have it on or is it a luxury like when some girls get their nails done for a special occasion? A: I do prefer having it on but I do tend to get questions by people at times asking why I’ve got it on which is annoying to explain every time. We also weren’t allowed to wear it whilst at school so I was used to not wearing it whilst in my previous studies. Q: Have you considered doing it full time as you mentioned it brings your community together and that must be a great feeling? A: I have thought about doing it full time as I was able to fit it in a lot more for celebrations and special occasions that were going on. However, I just don’t think it will fit around my lifestyle as much now to be able to do it full time due to my studies and wanting time to myself. It is great for the family, especially girls as it’s like pampering to us and it brings us all together where we can chat and laugh and also decorate our bodies. It’s even more exciting when it’s for a special event. AuthorAmy Delaunay - Writer for AURA My name is Amy Delaunay. I only started my education here in the West Midlands back in September at Birmingham City University. I am studying Fashion and Beauty Journalism and I'm really enjoying getting to write on my blog about things I feel passionate about or even to try and be and relatable to other students who could be reading my blog. I aspire to be either a broadcast journalist or a fashion and/or beauty journalist for a company. One of my passions at the minute is Yoga. I'm really enjoying becoming stronger and taking time to focus on myself. Blog: https://fashionandbeautywithamy.wordpress.com/
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