Preamble
It has been interesting coming up with topics in between Cavewoman.
Today’s topic is more cultural, and I will not dive into it excessively.
It is going in line with the tone in Cavewoman 3 (The previous post)
Henna
Henna also known as Mehndi is a dye prepared from the plant Lawsonia Inermis.
It is greenish in colour and has tobe prepared by first drying and grinding it dry. Afterwards, water is added and additional lime, sugar or oil (especially the eucalyptus oil) to increase the intensity of the colour.
It is popularly used to dye the hands and legs but can also be used to dye the hair.
It can be black or red but the red is more preferred because of its attractive appearance.
I also observed an alternative by watching multiple Korean series 🙈. That is the Balsam flower. Its colour is similar to the red henna and is applied by crushing the leaves to paint the hands and nails.
The Art of Painting
Painting of hands is an old tradition and some of these evidences can be seen in archaeological sites where hand prints were left as memories.
It is a way to leave marks of your individuality in an area until the paint wears off or the paint is replaced.
Culturally it is significant Asian, Middle Eastern and Northern African countries. It is a of way of life of these people and plays a huge role in celeberations.
In Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia, the males paint their hands during weddings either because they are related to the bridegroom or they are bridegroom themselves.
(Honestly, the first time I observed it, I was super surprised 😁)
In Sudan
For the females, only the married ones are allowed to cover their hands in paint especially with the red henna. The single ladies can only draw patterns with the black henna and paint their nails with it.
Once a woman is sighted with red henna on her tips and palms, it is immediately assumed that she is married.
In Nigeria
Males do not paint her hands with henna and the usuage is not limited to only married people, single women can paint with any they chose to.
My experiment with it
I am familiar with Henna art but I never tried it until I moved to my current location. I was hesitant at first but finally tried it about three times.
The last time I tried, it turned out to be the most beautiful. It coloured my finger tips well.
In this blog post, I am simply using henna as an illustration to drive to a point.
Lets ride in 🚤.
What do you do with your hands?
I have an internal belief that everyone has the ability to do something, no matter how simple it may be.
The ability to be creative differs but it is inherent in everyone.
There is something good you can do.
O. R. A
Henna painting also serves as a way to create memories and in analysing how the dye deepened on my fingers, I will correlate with the strenght of memories and the ability to do something.
Creating memories is often done within a period of time. It ranges from minutes to hours, to days to years. It also depends on who you are creating the memories with and if the person is one who still retains their position in your life after years must have passed, then the memories created bears a deeper significance.
As the days progressed the tint of the henna deepened. As we progress in life and create memories with those we cherish, the dept of our love for them deepens.
Memories begets memories O.R.A🌻
Lest I focus too much on memories, in line with the previous post (Cavewoman 3), there is something to do while you still breathe.
I know many of us are trying our best. We are trying hard even when it does not seem like our efforts are valid.
I really get you
But the truth is: While you are alive, this is your opportunity to do something worthwhile.
And if you have hands, it is your opportunity to do something with it.
I have thought about it several times, there are many creative things to do with the hands that are simply therapeutic and essential.
For example : Cooking, knitting, cleaning, painting, sewing, drawing, kneading and baking, typing, writing, driving, patting on the back as a means of emotional support, clapping to cheer someone and….. (add your in the comment section)
The truth is that you may not be profesional in any of them or even the best but at least you are able to do something good.
I try at cooking, crotcheting, baking, sewing, painting, typing, writing, cleaning, braiding my hair, I pat on the back at emergency moments 🙂, and clap when necessary etc.
I won’t lie, I cannot say I am very good at any but I try.
Try
The dye was fading but even though faint, it left traces that were still beautiful to behold. Memories may fade but if they were good enough, they will leave a mark that won’t fade.
I have personal reservations on making memories and maybe it is too idealistic and unrealistic but I love to create memories with people that won’t fade.
I love to create memories with people that won’t change negatively.
I want to create memories with peope that won’t become peope I do not want to relate with again.
I know my criteria is unrealistic but I am trying to be sincere with every memory I make so when I look back, I am comfortable my sincerity in the captured memory.
Taking you back to doing something with your hands, it reminds me of this verse
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. (KJV)
God wants us to be useful with our lives.
Our hands should not be ones that shed blood nor ones that plan the harm of another person.
They should not be used to hurt another or steal or cheat/defraud.
They should be hands that blesses others.
That comforts others and cheer others.
Most importantly, they should be hands that pray and praise.
Proverbs 12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. (KJV)
You know, what you do with your hands is very important and if you did not know, this post is a reminder.
It took Covid 19 for many people to start washing their hands regularly, even though this should be a normal helathy routine.
I hope you have not stopped though 😏
And to end today’s post, I want to remind you that I write and create arts.
You can find them on this blog via the Menu button and if you came to this post via the Home menu, then you would have seen them displayed on the front page.
Your support and feedback will mean alot and I also hope that whatever material you get from me blesses you richly.
They can be found via ART page. Where the Handmade and Digital options are available.
Cavewoman is coming to an end 🙈. The next part would be the second to last part. If you have not checked the previous parts, I encourage you to do so.
Also, the documentary would be the final part. I also hope to see you then too.
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Until the next post, it is still
#fromamedicalstudentfaraway
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