Though the Indian culture uses a combination of both Indian and Arabic designs in today’s world, there was, once upon a time a vast difference between the two. Centuries ago, the Arabic patterns consisted of free-flowing designs and a combination of vines and dot to enhance the design the pattern was created around.
A number of Arabic patterns are created on the back of the hand as well as on the palm, to give a wholesome effect to the pattern being created. Lot of individuals today like to get Arabic mehendi designs made on the back of left hand as it doesn’t affect the functions of the hand and is also easily visible.
We decided to create a small catalogue of easy mehendi designs for those beginners who would like to experiment on their left hand with few techniques:
A Circular Floral
A simple design to begin with would be a singular floral pattern which can be outlined for multi-layered effect. Such a pattern is usually connected to all fingers or even a single one to create a flowing effect. In Arabic patterns the tips of the fingers are not usually covered with henna but either left untouched or includes a design just below the nail cuticle.
Spirals
A spiral design can vary from the number of flows being added to it. The pattern can be combined with florals and dots to give it a more intricate look or it can be a mixture of small spirals filled in for a more enhanced texture.
Disjointed Floral Design
This category of mehendi designs would comprise of a lesser free-flowing element, with simple disjointed motifs or a linked ongoing motif. This pattern can be as plain as a floral pattern or can be a combination of vines, dots and florals or a petalled look. Various dots and vine motifs are used as connectors to provide with a perception of being connected.
Complete Disjointed Design
A complete disjointed design would consist of a pattern which has been captured on one side of the hand or is focused on one area only. These designs are easy to make and can be combination of both Indian and Arabic designs to create a doodling effect.
Heart Shaped Pattern
A heart shaped pattern can be created in the simplest of forms or can be an intricate piece of work depending on the type of design you are looking for. For a simpler, modern design, the pattern can be created by using a couple of spirals and in case you are interested in creating something more intricate, you can work around with the jail effect for a fuller look.
Finger Pattern
One of the most interesting designs in the Arabic setup is of covering only the fingers with henna. A more modern take on this traditional concept can create some unique and exquisite designs. Primarily paisley is one of the popular motifs that can be used at a beginner level combined with vines and dots to make it more interesting.
Partially Filled Pattern
A partially filled design would mostly consist of a pattern in a continuous flow covering a portion of the hand while a single motif is extended to cover the remaining area. It can also be done by covering the different sides of the hand/fingers for a more exaggerated effect.
Single Vine Design
A single vine pattern can consist of a singular leaf design or it can comprise of different branches which create a number of patterns on the side of the vine, making it seem like a branch. These vines can also be created by a series of dots, which though requires patience, shows an interesting bead like pattern on the hand.
Finger Bracelet
A finger bracelet pattern covers any one finger and falls down to the wrist like a bracelet, with simple spirals or flowers or more intricate patterns. This design is unique to the Arabic henna design and uses those motifs, even combined with the Indian mehendi designs to create something new.
Wrist Pattern
These designs have exquisite motifs around the wrist and can vary on the back of the hand. The fingers are lightly decorated with a pattern of vines or dots that provide a free-flowing look to the entire design. The use of Jali pattern combined with dots, provides almost an illusion.
Full Pattern
A full pattern will complete both sides of the hand till the wrist and sometimes even beyond the wrist, which becomes a bridal mehendi. A number of motifs can be combined to create a flowing doodle on the palm and is largely combined with a finger bracelet on the back.
The Arabic designs though possesses a number of similarities with the Indian pattern, tends to stand out when created. A number of motifs overlap in the Indian and Arabic patterns is due to the influence of Mughals in India. These design although a little more complicated and intricate than the Indian designs, a little practice will always help to create something wonderful.
It’s time to start practicing!
Also Read : 30 Simple &; Chic Mehendi Designs to Try on Palm