WHY in the 21st Century are we not living more like the ancient days? A girl lives one week of every month a bit differently, which has a close emotional connection to her body. All my fellow women, girls, men and boys; have you ever observed a palpable tension in the air if the term ‘menstruation’ is openly used in groups or have ever seen someone diverting or transitioning to another channel if the TV flashes ads of sanitary napkins soaking blue ink to show how absorbent they are? It might not be obvious where you live, but have no doubt, I observe this behaviour in India! In India, as a female, you are not supposed to go to temple during your period, period! (Pun intended). Oh also, while you’re at it, don’t even touch any holy basil, avoid entering the kitchen, stay away from pickles, don’t tell or even discuss this with your father or brother… Hey! Hide your pad! Make sure no-one knows you’re on your period! Also, why didn’t you ask for black polythene while purchasing a sanitary napkin (pads and tampons)… don’t do this, don’t do that! And on-andon it goes! These are the few common society constructed restriction passed on to every generation in the form of heritage and cultural practices that must be followed by any female during her period in India. On any given day, every day of the year, there is likely to be approximately 500 million women and young girls experiencing menstruation, and for some reason, this occurrence is supposed to be something
socially uncomfortable, taboo, and shameful with superstition and linked to mystical elements that we are not allowed to question or challenge. Really? Why don’t we just see this as a normal and inevitable biological process of discharging of blood and mucosal tissue from lining of the uterus through the vagina, for anyone apart from the victim of these ‘so called’ curtailments? Does this make you uncomfortable? Some of the problems with these myths and superstitions are the loss of understanding over the centuries. Thousands of years ago in India, today’s beliefs were privileges and recommendations given to women during their periods as a way to protect women, the environment and the ancient version of ‘public health and safety’ in a time where sanitation products were not available.
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