What is henna art?

Designs painted on the skin with a paste made from powder from the top leaves of the henna plant is "mehndi" or henna art. The green powder dries into orange-brown stains after some time. The vibrancy and permanence of the design depends on how long the henna sets.

Henna art originated in the Middle East and is most closely associated with India. Traditional henna artists paint the skin, especially the hands and feet, with intricate patterns over many hours. This type of henna art can often been seen on Muslim and Hindu brides. In the modern Western world, henna art encompasses contemporary designs.