5 Traditions Around The World Related To Menstruation!

by Nidhi Khurana July 21, 2017, 9:50 am 1.1k Views

Menstruation in our society is a taboo. Why? Even though each one of us knows about it, we choose to keep mum when talked about. This is because periods have different meanings and traditions associated with it. At some places, it is considered impure as a result of which girls are isolated or beaten continuously, while other parts tend to celebrate its beginning. Here is a list of different traditions related to periods which will blow your mind:

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1. Slapping the girl as she gets her first periods

different traditions related to periods — Via – iwprnet

In Jews, this signifies her growth into womanhood and hence ‘sense is slapped into her’, while in Afghans, this is a warning to keep her periods a secret from the men in the family who would marry her off if they got to know about her menstrual process.

2. Cutting off her Clitoris

Yes, you read it right! This inhuman practice prevails in Sabiny Tribe of Uganda. As a girl gets her first period her clitoris is partially or completely removed. There are complete chances of infection as the conditions are unhygienic. Also, this can lead to the death of the victim. Her doubted survival ensures her power to endure any hurdle in the further life. This ritual warns her against being unfaithful to her husband.

3. Iron her Breasts

Coal heated hammers are pressed against the breast of the little girl who had just started to menstruate. This practice is an intentional act to make her look less attractive so that she does not become a victim of rape. Giving hellish pain in order to protect her from the other? Indeed such rituals prove menstruation to be a curse!

4. Girl, You are impure!

In Hinduism and Islam, a girl on her periods is prohibited from entering holy shrines or performing any kind of rituals associated with the God such as fasting. Following the Hindu culture, a girl is prohibited from entering the kitchen area, wearing flowers or having sex. They are isolated and deemed untouchable. In Islam, her blood is believed to be unclean.

5. Time to celebrate, at least some of us are humans!

In Sri Lanka and some regions of South Africa, periods are a reason to be happy. Though she is made to stay at home for 3 days, away from men and children, she is given loads of gifts which celebrate the coming of her periods. Moving to the Tamilian community, she is bathed by her closed ones followed by a grand feast in isolation. Next, she is again made to take a bath after which she dresses in a saree, wears jewelry and applies makeup. This signifies her newly attained womanhood.

Some regions with advancements have taken a step back from performing the deadly rituals. Furthermore, let’s hope the rest see these different traditions related to periods as useless and inhuman.

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Written by Nidhi Khurana

Started as a pastime now became her passion, Writing is something where she finds peace. Always eager to know more, Nidhi is an English literature student from Miranda House. Following the motto of love what you do, she dabbles in lifestyle and travel writing. The bug of creativity bit her in a way that she forever became a prey to it.