Menstrual blood has the power to destroy enemies, and the touch of a menstruating woman causes a mirror to lose its brightness… There’s a lot of superstition when it comes to periods. In most cases, menstruation is associated with taboos. However, certain cultures claim that menstrual blood has positive qualities.
The positive features of menstrual blood
According to the Cherokee in the United States, menstrual blood was a source of feminine strength and had the power to destroy enemies.
Female Aboriginal healers in Australia treat wounds and bruises with cloth soaked in menstrual blood. They believe this will help the wounds heal quicker and prevent scarring.
In Slovakia, menstruating girls and women are pulled across fields on sleds. There, it is believed that menstrual blood fertilizes the soil for the spring.
A negative outlook on periods
In central Ghana menstruating women and girls aren’t allowed to cross a river due to a belief that the river god doesn’t approve of that.
Don’t touch anything when you’re on your period in Nigeria. There, it is believed that the touch of a menstruating girl or woman will cause a plant to die, milk to curdle, and a mirror to lose its brightness.
In parts of India, it is believed that if a woman or girl touches a cow while menstruating, the cow will become infertile.
In Kashmir, India, menstruating women are prohibited from using water sources because it is bad luck for them to be near flowing water. They are also not allowed to look at their reflections in the water.
In certain remote areas of Nepal, women are not allowed to interact with anyone during their period. They are banished to a hut or shed outside the house until the bleeding is over.
In Bangladesh, women are not allowed to eat salty or sour foods, fish or eggs while menstruating.
In parts of Afghanistan, it is said that improper disposal of used sanitary materials will make a girl menstruate continuously for the rest of her life.
In France they used to believe that mayonnaise made by a menstruating woman would spoil quicker. In Italy the same was thought about homemade tomato sauce.
Period! is an independent, online magazine about all aspects of menstruation. Period! is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you’re suffering from medical complaints, always visit your doctor or GP. Editorial articles can contain affiliate links. Sponsored collaborations can be found in the category Spotlight. Do you have any questions? Check our contact page.
Read also:
Honour your menstruation
Making a menstrual difference
A guide for girls
Not just for girls
