This is a book about an ancient practice of decorating the body. For centuries in cultures all around the world, applying artistic designs on the body has been a way to celebrate and honor special occasions in one's life. Our book is about the origin and practice of mehndi. In the text, we discuss the preparation and application of henna paste, the medicinal and healing properties of the plant, and the differences in design styles around the world. We also discuss the use of henna in religious and ritualistic ceremonies, although today it can be appreciated and enjoyed just for fun. Our book is written for both primary (ages three to six) and elementary (ages seven to twelve) school children, though adults interested in the art of mehndi will enjoy it too. We hope this book will help you to know and appreciate the very special art of henna designs.
Sohnie Luckhardt has been in the field of education for 41 years and has devoted much of her career to educating young children. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and sociology at Hope College in Holland, Michigan in 1973. She earned a professional diploma in early childhood education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1978. In addition, she has traveled extensively, teaching English as a Second Language in Japan and Singapore, and working with under-privileged children in India. She has worked in a variety of early childhood settings including Montessori and Waldorf schools, a Hebrew Day school, and the Child Development Center at the University of Michigan.
Luckhardt moved to Atlanta in 1995 to attend Life Chiropractic University. Her interest was in pediatric chiropractic studies and how chiropractic intervention could help children with learning disabilities and ADHD. During this time, she worked in the after-school care program at Covered Bridge Montessori School.
With the prospect of a primary teaching position and Montessori training, she was inspired to rethink her career direction. She made the decision to return to education full-time and pursue Montessori certification. Her happiness with this decision underscores the fundamental nature of her life’s work—helping others learn and grow. She believes that Montessori philosophy is most conducive to creating supportive, healing, and peaceful learning environments.
Mina Kumar (Henna Artist) was born in India in the state of Bihar. Her middle-class family included her parents and three older brothers. Her father worked for the government, which required moving to a different city every three years. Kumar transferred to different schools often and came into contact with many of the diverse communities in India. Eventually she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts and completed her Master’s in Indian classical music.
A few years later, Kumar married and moved to the United States, settling in North Carolina, where her first son was born. A year later, the family moved to Wisconsin, where her second son was born. They eventually relocated to Georgia, settling in the suburbs of Atlanta.
Kumar started volunteering in the library at her children’s elementary school, eventually becoming a Montessori paraprofessional. She was later employed as an after-school care program instructor, where she engaged students in arts and crafts, which she finds to be a very pleasurable hobby. One component is henna, which is a significant part of her Indian culture, particularly its ceremonies. It ties together her roots with her passion for art. She has embraced the opportunity to share this part of herself with others by applying henna and teaching about the beautiful and rich traditions that make henna more than just a dye.
