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In Sudan, mehndi is displayed primarily by married women on their hands, fingertips and feet. The designs exemplify virtues such as kindness and peace, and are more elaborate during special celebrations such as weddings, births and male circumcisions. Unmarried women generally do not wear mehndi; the exception is while participating in the wedding ceremony of another woman, and it is then worn on one hand only. A Sudanese man may wear mehndi on his hands during the ceremonies that commemorate important milestones in his life, such as his circumcision or his wedding. Sudanese mehndi uses henna that has been mixed with a black dye to give it a darker color and make the design last longer. Designs last about two to three weeks. Compiled by Jamila White |
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Mehndi, also called mehandi, is the art of body decoration with henna. Although its origin is unclear, use of these ancient non-permanent tattoos has been documented as early as 2000 B.C. Today, mehndi is widely used on the African continent, as well as in the Middle East and India, and it has recently become popular among young American women.
Traditional Nubian Wedding