Learning the Art of Henna at Millburn Library

A group of Millburn mothers and tweens learned how to apply Henna - or Mendhi - tattoos on Thursday.

Henna tattoos have become popular in main stream America in recent years, especially with teen and tween girls.  More long lasting than traditional temporary tattoos, Mehndi tattoos involve elaborate designs typically painted on hands and feet. 

A paste of Henna is used to stain the top layer of skin a reddish brown and is virtually impossible to remove before the skin naturally sloughs off in two weeks. 

Some parents allow henna tattoos as a compromise for teens who want the real, permenant thing.  Others see it as a fun diversion like the typical waterslide tattoos.  Whatever the reason, tween girls seem to love Henna.

Millburn's tweens may soon be applying them at sleepovers and playdates after learning how to apply Mehndi at the library workshop.

Natalie Kent, who has been running art workshops for kids this summer at the library, showed participants how to mix the paste, and apply it. She showed them several examples of traditional Mendhi designs.  

Sanjeeta Mukherjee and her daughter, Shonchori, are familiar with Mendhi, attended the workshop, though they are already familiar with the art form.

"I had my first Mendhi when I was three. It's common in Indian culture to have Mendhi done for an important event or holiday," Sonchori explained as she watched her mother work an intricate design on her palm. "

"Indian weddings are days long and one day is dedicated to the Mendhi ceremony, where the bride and groom get very elaborate Mendhi tattoos.  Other guests get them too, just not as elaborate as the bride and groom." 

Fellow participant Corey Weiss' mother is an art teacher.  "I love aboriginal art, my mom taught us about it," she said. "I decided that's what I wanted to do."

Kristin Gorra and her daughter, Greer, were partners, painting designs on one another.  "Hey, if  I do my palms I won't be able to take out the dog while it dries!" Greer said. 

Kristin quickly shot down that idea, "Sorry, that's not going to happen."