Is it wrong to wear henna in a christian wedding?
Discussion Corner — By NikhilBhide on December 14, 2006 at 20:56holly perkins asked:
i have always loved the art of henna(mendhi) and how beautiful it looks on hindu brides. i am a christian woman and was wondering if it would be wrong or insulting to people of the hindu or christian religion if i wore something like the traditional henna of hindu or indian weddings. this is what i have learned about the tradition’s meaning after a bit of research:
“The tradition of applying mendhi goes back thousands of years to religious and bridal rituals in India, Africa and the Middle East. Mendhi is of great significance in Hindu weddings. Traditional belief is that the darker the stain and the longer it remains on the bride’s hands and feet the deeper the grooms love for her. Some even believe that the more intense the stain, signifies the deep love the bride’s mother-in-law will have for her, therefore treating her kindly. According to more recent traditions the grooms name will be hidden in the design of the bride’s hands. The wedding night cannot commence until he finds it
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21 Comments
dont b afraid 2 ask the bride & groom if they would b offendedl. i guess as long as theres nothin like an antchrist symbol or anything like that on it, i guess it will b appropriate
I absolutely love the idea, the sentiment, the tradition. It’s wonderful. Send whatever info you have on it to me if you will.
Now, for those who may not be crazy like me. It is YOUR wedding, if your husband to be has no objection, then by all means do it. You will be sorry later if you do not have that special memory, shared only with your husband. You don’t have to explain a thing about it to anyone, except your husband. What a remarkable memory to cherish together!
Blessed Be
ps let me know how it goes pls
well every one is different , some may be offended and others probably wouldn’t care. but you have to think , would you wear Muslim garb, or a Jewish fez, etc. i don’t know , look at the guests that are attending…you know most of them probably, their personalities, are there any really sensitive people attending that would feel disrespected….or doubt the strength of you faith. maybe you should pray on it.
Please, if you like henna, then wear it.
It is YOUR wedding.
Dont ask for a licence to do what you want or permition to live.
Is your life and if you want to wear henna, no religion should stop you or feel offended if they do then there is something wrong.
What ever makes your heart happy. Is YOUR wedding so it should be the way YOU like it.
You call the shots this time and your partner.
Have a good one!!!
Don’t you know your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit ?
Holly,
Your Wedding Day is exactly that – YOUR WEDDING DAY.
It is the day that you take sacred vows to love and cherish another person. It is your day to express in any way that you see fit. If you want Henna, then wear Henna, it’s your day Sweetie, enjoy the moment in the most beautiful way you want. If anyone is offended or feels insulted, it just means they want to run your wedding, not you.
The only way to make the day, Your Special Day, is to do it the way you want. If your partner agrees with you wearing the Henna, then that’s all that matters.
GO FOR IT! BEST WISHES ON YOUR WEDDING DAY AND YOUR MARRIAGE! GOD BLESS!
I dont see why not!
The history you wrote was interesting and very saweet but I cannot see how it could possibly offend.
you are the bride it is your day, go ahead and follow your heart.
Have a lovely wedding
I personally (as an atheist) think that it would be a wonderful thing to do…and could add an interesting touch to the wedding night ;P.
There is nothing wrong with being open minded, and mingling cultures, but it could be a problem if others at your wedding were not as open minded.
To those who object, you could point out that many customs of Christian weddings are actually superstitions with no Christian origin.
For example: the scattering of rose petals on the isle is supposed increase you and your husband’s chances of having a baby.
Throwing rice feeds the evil spirits to stop them attacking the bride and groom and promotes fertility.
Tins tied to the wedding car scare away evil spirits.
The bride traditionally stands to the left of the groom, so he could ‘have easy access to his sword to defend his bride from rival suitors.’
The veil is to hide your face from evil spirits.
…the list is endless!
I fail to see how being decorated with henna could be considered wrong when many Christian brides follow these other superstitions.
I say go for it!
Best of luck with your wedding!
It would depend on the type of wedding you are having. If it’s a traditional church wedding, you are more or less expected to wear the long white dress and go along with the traditions. Henna in that situation, would probably be distracting and possibly offensive to those attending your wedding- depending on how conservative your church and your guests are. If you are having your wedding in a more casual environment maybe it might not be that weird. You might consider having it done someplace that doesn’t show, but first find out if it will stain your dress. If you do decide to wear henna, maybe have something written about it in the program. Explain the significance and why you think it’s beautiful. Don’t bring up the Hindu religious aspect of it if it might offend too many people.
I think it is nothing wrong with religion but might be against the tradition.
BTY, thanks for the nice information.
If you like it, do it. Your intentions are not to offend anyone, let others believe what they want. It’s your wedding day, have it your way!
It is your wedding. You do what you feel is right and are comfortable with. Do not let others dictate your day. All of Christianity is derived from other religions. They do not have the market on dictating things to you. Just have fun on your special day.
It’s not offensive. Henna is more traditional as opposed to religious.
Did you know that henna is also popular among us Muslims? However, we don’t belief in any henna myths about dark stains etc. We like it because of its beauty.
i am a christian and well, it’s your wedding so do what you want….but i think it’s a little iffy when the practice is based on the hindu faith…
just remember, your body is a temple to the lord so make him happy
If you are the bride you can do what you want. If you are not the bride, it is NOT insulting to the Christian faith, but would probably be considered tacky and rude in the extreme as you would be taking attention away from the bride and that just isn’t done. Guests should be more subdued.
I don’t know how people of the Hindu faith might react. I know that many religions DO frown on outsiders using their sacred rituals and traditions as a fashion statement.
Wear whatever you want. I mean as long as you’re decently and respectfully covered, does it really matter? A wedding is about making a commitment to a person that you love, not the clothes you’re wearing.
it’s not bad, but you would look like a total tool. do you really want to use your wedding day to make a statement about your spirituality. what does your husband say about this, I noticed you don’t mention him once. way to think of only yourself there lady
I didnt know the reason behind it and I have always loved Henna
if you like the spiritual meaning then I would say go for it
it sounds beautiful
and I have had some Hindu ladies apply it to me , so I doubt they would feel insulted at all at you using it
but I am sorry , I cant answer you as a Christian
Dont let God tell you what to wear during your wedding
are you wearing it for religious purposes? if not, then it is no big deal. many christians wear an assortment of items that have their roots in other religions.
I really don’t think anyone will be offended as long as the tattoo is in good taste. Henna is very beautiful