Menstruation

Menstrual Tales

If ever there was a human condition that so defiled that it hurt many, many women and that is the bundle of tales surrounding menstruation.

Historically, women were reviled during “her moon cycle”. She was often limited from any social events. In fact, many times she was held in seclusion until her period ended. Food was another big taboo.  Menstruating women were to even think about touching food. (Great, I’d like that. No meals to cook for a week).

Having blood coming out of a women’s body for not apparent reason caused fear within the people, and was seen as a omen of ill will. That’s a lot of ill will in a community.

In 1871, it was intimated that the menstrual cycle had something to do with pregnancy. Previously, the idea was that women bled because they had “hot” thoughts and needed to cleanse her private parts.

The world of folklore still carries many of the ancient beliefs.

-Vegetables stored in a can by a menstruating woman will spoil.
-Dental visits were postponed because new fillings for the menstruating woman fell out.
-Touching a fruit or vegetable bush or tree is not to be touched by a menstruating woman as the fruit will spoil
-Bread will not rise due to “the curse” of the women
-Women should not be sexually touched during her period; in fact it actually often does reduce cramping
-Swimming at “Aunt Flow’s” should be prohibited because it contaminates the water for others.

There are equally good tales regarding the healing process of women who are bleeding. That is another blog and a tale of a love potion.