Mendhi

I was fortunate to be invited to have Mendhi (henna) done for a friend's wedding this weekend. The marriage ceremony was yesterday, and on Wednesday night they had 2 ladies come to the house to do everyone's hands.

These women were so talented, and quick! Both of my hands took only about 15 minutes, for the backs as well as the palms. They had a tent set up in the yard and close to 50 women came throughout the evening to get their Mendhi done. Luckily I was one of the first ones there, because I had to let it sit without touching anything for at least 2 hours (I ended up leaving it on for about 4). Once the initial paste dried, it was moistened with a lemon juice and sugar mixture, and then warmed by holding our hands over a pan of hot cloves. I spent quite a long time over the cloves - they were so toasty warm! I think that's why mine turned out so dark, especially on the palms.

Some people have told me this means that my mother-in-law will love me a great deal, others have said it's the husband who's love is predicted by dark Mendhi. Either way, I'd say it's a good sign!