Wrapped up in the opaque cloth of societal taboos and norms with no sunshine of freedom filtering through it are the blood-stained days and nights of women. Taking birth from the Latin word ‘mensis’, which translates to month, menstruation can be defined as the vaginal bleeding that transpires as a part of a woman’s monthly cycle. The feathers of menstruation have flown to impact various aspects of mainstream society; particularly the heritage of a place at large.
In respect to the Metaformic Theory by cultural theorist Judy Graham and others, menstruation can be contemplated as the entree to the buffet of culture and early human rituals. The portrayal of diversity is discernible in the rostrum of culture and menstruation as well with the African hunter gatherer societies perceiving it as efficacious and the Western civilisation veiling it with the cloak of impurity. While dwelling in the yellowish-inked marked pages of the past, we come across how the Cherokee individuals believed menstrual blood to be the provenance of feminine power which could vanquish enemies from the core; while in Africa it was used both for destruction and purification indicating the contrasting notions associated with it. With the moving of the hands of the clock, perceptions and beliefs in regard to menstruation altered considerably with the latter varying from culture to culture, with one common element: taboos. Entitling it with the name ‘menstrual taboo’, the flow of blood through a woman’s vagina was not confined to being a biological process; bundled with it came faith, restrictions and embarrassment.
The murderer of three innocent lives and the tormentor of many, menstrual huts have had a long history in the Himalayas clad nation, Nepal. Sheathed with religion and the notions of purity-pollution, this practice which is termed as chhaupadi banishes women from their houses during their menstrual periods to live in huts faraway from their residence. Also, the structure of huts where they are made to stay are miles away from our imagination. Girls and women search for ‘comfort’ in those huts with no beds, no sanitation facilities and no hygiene. In 2019, fire engulfed three women in their respective huts when they lit it to keep themselves warm during the freezing cold. A strict law had been passed banning this horrendous execution but in vain.
In the land of festivals India, the film of menstrual taboos is directed by the religions with their credence producing it. Packed with known and a few unknown practices in its basket, taboos have spread their wings wide enough to reach the arena of food habits to physical activities.
Forming the core for most of the rules regarding menstruation in Hinduism, menstruating women are not allowed to interfere in religious ceremonies or touch any object pertaining to it during ‘those days’. On the platter of Islam, women on their period are excluded from performing prayers and denied from fasting. The Quran states that a menstruating woman should refrain herself from engaging in sexual intercourse. Christianity does not propagate any specific rules regarding menstruation but some Christian denominations such as the Eastern Orthodox Church advise women not to receive communion during their period. Allowance of women to engage in religious activities during their menstruation is what differentiates Sikhism from the other major religions. This thought is provoked on the basis that impurity of mind is superior to the impurity of body.
Some cultures possess the practice of burying clothes used by women during their period to prevent them being used by evil spirits. Similarly strict restrictions are followed when it comes to dietary habits where menstruation girls are not allowed to consume curd, tamarind and other sour food. Adding to the scenario is a practice which affirms that menstruating women produce a ‘bad smell’ which rots any prepared food. The imposition of girls entering the kitchen during their period only adds a step to the long ladder of menstrual taboos. Women on their period are treated like weeds, unwanted and uncared for.
Interestingly however, in spite of every taboo minuscule or gigantic; India celebrates this blood flow in the form of the Ambubachi Mela celebrated in the Kamakhya Mandir which is located in Guwahati, Assam. This 4 day celebration marks the annual menstruation period of Goddess Kamakhya in the month of June which attracts lakhs of devotees around the world. The temple remains closed for the first 3-4 days as the Goddess is believed to be menstruating and it reopens on the 5th day after the ceremonial puja.
Technological and scientific advancement have surely been pacing at an immense speed towards the invisible finish line of perfection. But, the need of the minute is the advancement of societal mentality towards this biological process i.e. menstruation in order for girls to contribute to advancement irrespective of any field. In this match of society versus menstruation, awareness programmes, menstrual education, etc. are turning out to be the sixers for the latter. Initiatives have surely been taken by numerous organisations, but there are lots to suffice and lots to achieve!
Comments