If Kate and I had more time, there are many, many things we’d want to do while in India. For example, I’ve always wanted to attend a gigantic Indian wedding, we both want to try out an Indian fortune teller, and we’ve talked a lot about the pros and cons of renting a motorbike for the day (like an awesome adventure v. imminent death). But one thing we were absolutely going to do before heading home? Play with henna!
Henna has been used for centuries — apparently even Cleopatra used it (according to Wikipedia, at least). It’s derived from a plant and used everywhere as a hair and clothing dye, but it’s probably best known for its use as a temporary tattoo, especially on special occasions. The henna is basically a dark goo when applied, and you peel it off piece by piece when it’s dry. Tradition says that the darker the henna stains on a bride’s wedding day, the happier she’ll be in her marriage. We might not be there yet, but we were definitely looking forward to doing it for fun. Luckily, the girls here are incredibly talented at henna art. Preetha and Jancy went to town on Kate and me, and I think the results speak for themselves. Check it out:
This is actually the second of three sessions Jancy and I had throughout the day!
(By now you know: All photos by the quick-handed Kate Lord.)
The hardest part of this whole process? Keeping my hand still while she drew on my fingers!
Preetha created a design down the front of Kate' arm
She actually used maroon henna, so it would be shades of red after peeling.
And the finished results?
Pretty incredible, right?
