Description of Indian Holi paints and their manufacture, rules of application
Holi paintings are an indispensable part of the Indian holiday of the same name, which is held every year in early March in honor of the onset of spring. The emergence of the tradition of painting oneself with bright colors during the festival is rooted in local folklore. Due to the peculiarities of using Holi paints, they are made from natural ingredients that do not harm the human body.
History of the origin of Indian Holi paintings
Such paintings are considered an integral attribute of the Indian festival of the same name, the appearance of which is due to local folklore. According to the legends of the Hindus, centuries ago there lived a ruler of the demons Hiranyakashipu, who sought to bring everyone under his influence. However, King Prahlad's son decided to worship Lord Vishnu. Because of this, the father ordered his sister Holiki to kill the offspring.
Having the gift of not burning in a fire, she decided to burn Prahlada. However, the mantle thrown on Holika fell on the rebellious offspring. As a result, Prahlad survived, while Hiranyakasipu's sister died. The name Holi comes from the name of the former ruler of Holiki. This festival symbolizes the end of the cold winter and the beginning of the warm season.
Initially, the festival was held among the class of farmers and workers.But later this holiday became popular among the entire population of the Indian subcontinent. As in Russia, at the end of Shrovetide, in India, in honor of the end of winter, a Holiki scarecrow is burned at the stake.
How is it done
Paints are made from cornmeal. To achieve the desired shade, add to the original component:
- shredded orchids;
- Turmeric;
- sandalwood;
- aster petals and other natural ingredients.
Initially, such dyes were made from crushed phalaenopsis, which limited the palette of shades to four colors: blue, red, yellow and black. Now this list has been significantly expanded.
True Holi paints are expensive. This is because this blend contains natural ingredients, some of which are hard to find or cheap to buy. However, real paintings can be therapeutic. This is due to the fact that some types of these mixtures contain medicinal plants.
Holi paints can be made at home by following the following plan:
- Take a glass of white flour and mix with water.
- In the process of mixing, add fresh juice or food coloring to the composition.
- Knead until you get a sticky dough that drags well.
- Form a ball with the dough and put in the freezer for an hour.
- Roll out a few small tortillas from the frozen dough.
- Spread and grease the tracing paper with vegetable oil.
- Place the cakes on the tracing paper.
- Soak the cakes in this form for at least a day at room temperature or dry in the oven at 50 degrees.
- Grind the tortillas in a blender.
Also at home, ordinary chalk is often used to make Holi paints, which are ground in a blender.But this option is less popular than described.This is due to the fact that pencils are distinguished by unsaturated colors. In addition, the former often include substances that cause an allergic reaction and other negative consequences for the respiratory system. In India, the tinctures are prepared a few days before the start of the festival. To do this, collect and dry the roots, stems and bark of trees. The composition of the powder also includes the fruits of plants.
Rules and features of the application
According to Indian tradition, such powder paints are thrown during the festival among the crowd. Also, this mixture is applied to various objects encountered along the way of the procession. However, the scope of these dyes is not limited to the Indian festival.
The powder mixture is used:
- for body art;
- in a spectacular photo shoot;
- at concerts, public events, theatrical performances.
When using such dyes, it is recommended to wear simple clothes made from natural fabrics. For this, cotton or linen products are suitable. The powder from such clothes is easier to wash off. It is impossible to use equipment near where the dye is dispersed. The small particles that make up the powder penetrate the case and damage the electronics. Therefore, mobile equipment must be covered with waterproof covers.
Holi paints can be easily washed off with water or wet wipes. It is recommended to stock up on these before the event. Powder in the eyes or nose can be quickly removed with wet wipes.
Precautionary measures
These dyes are considered harmless to humans due to their natural composition. However, these powders contain spices, which often cause allergic reactions if they come into contact with the skin or the esophagus. The use of Holi paints is prohibited for people suffering from chronic respiratory diseases (bronchitis, asthma, etc.).
If the powder gets into the eyes, the mucous membranes should be rinsed immediately. The substances that make up these dyes can cause inflammation of the eyes, which in rare cases leads to blindness. In addition, this powder is dangerous for pregnant women. Spices, when ingested, can cause premature contractions.