Menstruation is still a taboo in many parts of the world, not just India. A product of misogynistic and patriarchal structures, menstruation is a natural result of women’s childbearing abilities. So why has something so empowering been turned into a taboo? Let’s unpack this.
The Origins of Menstrual Taboos
For years, girls and women have been told that menstruation is something to hide and be ashamed of. Periods are often seen as dirty, impure, and untouchable. But who decided that?
Many superstitions today come from stories passed down through generations. For example:
- Washing hair during menstruation: In the past, water scarcity and the risk of catching a cold made this inconvenient.
- Sweeping the house at night: Before electricity, it was risky to sweep in the dark, as valuable items could be lost.
- Avoiding non-vegetarian food: Often linked to cultural or health reasoning at the time.
These rules and habits often had practical logic behind them, even if they became rigid taboos over time.
Menstruation in Indian Culture
In India, menstruation has been particularly taboo due to lack of education and blind adherence to stories and myths. For instance:
- Indra’s Sin: According to Hindu mythology, Indra killed a Brahmin, the greatest sin, and women were considered pious enough to absorb part of that sin. Menstruation in women was said to represent the release of that sin.
Despite taboos, many areas celebrate menstruation in cultural and religious contexts:
- In Punjab, Mother Earth was believed to ‘sleep’ for a week each month.
- In the Deccan region, goddess temples were closed from the tenth to the full moon day during her rest.
- In Malabar, Mother Earth was believed to rest during hot weather until the first shower of rain.
- Today, in the Kamakhya temple of Assam and parts of Orissa, the menstruation of the goddess is celebrated during the monsoon season.
Understanding the Logic Behind Taboos
It’s important to understand that many menstrual restrictions had reasoning behind them:
- Women experience physical weakness due to hormonal changes. Restricting temple visits or intense rituals was a way to give rest.
- Men are expected to perform demanding devotions, but women’s biological needs were considered in these rules.
These cultural practices evolved into taboos, often discouraging open discussion and education about menstruation.
Questioning Menstrual Taboos Today
Every story, belief, or ritual has a logic behind it, but blindly following them can perpetuate stigma. It is crucial to:
- Educate the next generation about menstruation with facts.
- Encourage critical thinking and questioning of traditional taboos.
- Trust your instincts and logic when it comes to your own body.
Understanding and discussing menstruation openly helps break taboos and fosters a more informed and empowered society.