Festival Special: Art and Soul of Asian Life; Asian Art Forms like Mehndi and Ayurveda Have Been Embraced by Western Celebrities, Including Madonna and Naomi Campbell. ZOE CHAMBERLAIN Visits a Birmingham Community Centre Where They Are Far More Than Just the Latest Fad

Beginning of article

Byline: Zoe Chamberlain

A PROPHET was passing through the heavens and found a beautiful plant which he brought to earth for his daughter. As she cared for and nurtured the plant, she discovered her hands had turned red from touching the leaves - and the art of mehndi was born.

This is one of many stories about the origins of the ancient Asian art form, which involves adorning the hands and feet with a paste made from finely ground henna leaves. Its exact origins are not known, but it has been used as a cosmetic, and for its supposed healing properties, for at least 5,000 years.

One of the earliest documentations of henna use comes from ancient Egypt, where …