It’s hard to picture celebrating a pregnancy with a temporary tattoo, especially given all the risks that come with carrying a little one. In some cultures however, henna, also known as Mehndi, is actually a very popular and beautiful way to celebrate pregnancy, which can certainly spawn some amazing ideas this Mother’s Day season.
You’ve likely seen henna, whether it be through a local fair or popular event. Henna became a popular temporary body art in North America. Compared to tattoos, pure henna is completely temporary and all-natural, even beneficial to the skin, while leaving a rich, all-natural stain, which is one of the reasons it’s so popular. There’s a very long history to such a beautiful and temporary body-art form.
Henna traditions have been observed for thousands of years, most notably in South Asian and North African cultures. Henna comes from the plant Lawsonia inermis, which blooms into a red flower. The leaves of this plant are dried and ground into a fine powder, which is then combined with lemon and other natural oils and ingredients into a paste. This paste is applied to the skin, and sometimes the hair to act as a natural hair dye. This powder is harmless, and is even recommended for keeping cool during extremely hot weather.
This paste is then placed in numerous different applicators, although the standard applicator is typically a small piping bag designed for drawing intricate details and patterns. In the past, cultural applications for henna revolved largely around marriages, with soon-to-be-married brides decorating their hands and feet for the wedding. In all, the practice of mehndi is reserved for occasions of celebration, which includes the celebration of bringing new life into the world.
Maternity henna is a unique way to celebrate pregnancy, where pure henna paste is applied to the belly as a beautiful temporary pattern. Typical patterns include swirls, flowers, and iconography relating to maternity, the soon-to-be mother, and symbols representing the baby. It’s important to note pure henna is a must, as henna paste can be treated with chemicals to speed drying, and that can be dangerous to the skin. Pure henna is a reddish brown, and it can take overnight to completely dry and stain well. To help with the process, it’s recommended to wrap and cover the henna with a mixture of lemon juice and sugar to help with the adhesion and help achieve a dark stain. Prepared henna cones can be purchased online from retailers like Amazon and in East Asian markets. The powder itself can be purchased, allowing you to make your own mixture as well, or you can hire a reputable henna artist for unique designs for you and your guests. It’s important to note that before getting carried away in your henna journey, test the henna on a patch of skin to ensure it is safe to use.
If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate your pregnancy this Mother’s Day season, maternity henna is a great way to make your baby shower, gender reveal party, or any pregnancy event extra special.