Hennas with Amalie Howard author of Alpha Goddess

September 27, 2014

A little about Henna, Alpha Goddess, & East Indian culture!

with Guest Blogger Amalie Howard

When I wrote Alpha Goddess, Mehndi—the Indian term for decorative henna—was an important part of my protagonist’s character, and a crucial symbol to the goddess that she becomes. The Mehndi artwork on the model’s hands on the Alpha Goddess cover was a complete representation of that evolution. To me, it was very authentic. In the novel, Mehndi is a clear symbol of my protagonist’s past and who she is—and when it appears on her skin, she understands that she isn’t just an ordinary girl … that she is something more. The artistic visualization of the girl’s hennaed hands against her face on book’s cover as if they were a mask or a shield was a perfect metaphor for her double life.

The decorative use of henna has been traced back to Egyptian times, and has been used by many desert peoples in Asia and Africa as a way to keep cool. Henna is an herb and has also been known for its medicinal qualities. The tradition of using Mehndi in Indian culture has had a long and vibrant history. For thousands of years, in celebration of many events, including, holidays, births, and weddings, Indian women have adorned their hands and feet with intricate henna designs.

During an Indian wedding, relatives and friends of the bride get together on Mehndi night before the wedding. The bride gets intense henna patterns drawn on her hands, feet, forearms, and shins while her relatives sing traditional songs and dance to entertain everyone. It’s a very festive occasion. Early religious Mehndi traditions originated as a way to awaken one’s inner light, and were meant to symbolize the inner and outer suns drawn on the palm. Even though Mehndi has become mostly decorative in modern times, it is still said to ward off bad luck and create positive energy. In some parts of India, the groom may also wear intricate henna designs.

Some of the Mehndi traditions and superstitions I can remember from my own upbringing were really interesting. For example, the darker the Mehndi comes out, the more the groom will love you. Or if the cone drops to the floor during the application, it is considered a bad omen. Many times, the henna artists will draw the initial of the groom’s name in the bride’s hand hidden within the swirls of Mehndi, and she has to find it. If she does, it’s a sign of good luck. If she doesn’t, well, you can imagine that she’ll keep looking until she does. No one wants that kind of karma hanging over your head!

I was so thrilled to be able to celebrate the use of Mehndi during my launch party at Anderson’s Book Shop in Larchmont. Margie Nugent, an experienced henna artist, attended the Alpha Goddess launch party and provided henna designs to dozens of excited guests. She has agreed to answer a few questions about the henna process for those interested in learning more!

How do you make henna and is it all natural?

Henna is made from the powdered leaves of a bush (Lawsonia Inermis) that grows in dry arid countries. The powder is mixed with an acidic liquid (ex. lemon juice) and essential oils  (ex. lavender) then applied to the skin in a paste form. A stain is produced on the outer most layer of the skin.

How long does it last?

It can last up to 2 weeks, maybe longer, depending on how it is cared for. Since it is a stain, it will exfoliate from the top layer of the skin so you want to keep it moisturized with a natural oil to maintain it longer. The stain will vary person to person because of individual chemistry. The longer you keep the henna on the skin when it is applied, the darker the stain will be. When the henna paste is removed, the color will be orange and can take a full 24 hours to oxidize and reach its full color.

How did you learn to do authentic Indian designs?

I learned Indian designs from studying information found on the Internet, and by attending conventions and henna shares. One of my Favorite Indian Henna Artists is in California. Her name is Neeta Sharma, and she is my lifeline when I have questions. I think the best way to learn is through apprenticeship.

Are there any fun superstitions you’ve heard along the way about wedding henna?

I have heard a few, but since it is not my culture I have to believe them until I am taught otherwise. It is said the Goddess Lakshmi resides in the henna, and the darker the stain the better the blessing on the marriage. The artist may hide the groom’s initials or name in the henna for the groom to find. I have also heard that when the bride leaves her parents home and goes to live with her husband’s family after the marriage, her mother will come check her daughter’s stain to see if the in-laws are working her too hard in the household.

How long does a typical Indian wedding application take?

The actual bride could take up to 6 hours or longer depending on the density of the design and the size. The trend right now is up to the elbows front and back, and up the calves. While she is being hennaed she must be cared for since she shouldn’t disturb the henna while it is drying. The artist may return the next day to embellish with crystals and gold paint. On the night of henna, family and friends will receive henna for blessings and good luck for the bride.

Margie NugentWww.makingfacesparties.com

Margie@makingfacesparties.com 914.714.8069

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Colleen Houck

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Hennas with Amalie Howard author of Alpha Goddess

September 27, 2014

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