A Period Piece on Menstrual History

 

Let's face it, periods are a natural part of life for over half the population. Yet, they remain shrouded in secrecy and often carry a negative stigma. 

But this wasn't always the case! 

Today, on Menstrual Hygiene Day, we embark on a historical journey to explore periods throughout history.

Ancient Beliefs and Practices:

·         Egyptians: Revered menstruation as a time of purification and spiritual connection. Women used absorbent materials like papyrus to manage their flow.

·         Greeks and Romans: Held conflicting views. Some associated periods with mystical powers, while others saw them as unclean. Women might have used cloth or animal skins for absorption.

·         Native American tribes: Many cultures viewed menstruation as a time of power and spiritual connection to the earth. Practices varied, with some tribes isolating menstruating women and others celebrating their unique state.

Medieval Myths and Misconceptions:

·         The "wandering womb" theory: A bizarre belief that the uterus wandered throughout the body causing various ailments during menstruation.

·         Social restrictions: Menstruating women were often excluded from religious ceremonies and social gatherings due to the perceived "uncleanliness."

·         Limited hygiene options: Women relied on makeshift methods like rags and leaves, making managing their periods challenging.

A Turning Point: The Dawn of Sanitary Products

·         19th Century: The invention of absorbent materials like cotton led to the development of the first commercially available sanitary pads.

·         Early 20th Century: The fight for women's rights spilled into the realm of menstruation. Women like Mary Crane spearheaded the movement for more accessible and hygienic menstrual products.

·         Mid-20th Century: The invention of disposable pads and tampons revolutionized period management, offering greater freedom and convenience.

Modern Movements and Breaking the Stigma

·         Feminist movements: Played a crucial role in challenging the negative stigma surrounding menstruation.

·         Social media campaigns: Platforms like #periodspositive and #periodpower have sparked conversations and normalized menstruation.

·         Focus on accessibility: Organizations work towards providing sanitary products to low-income communities and tackling "period poverty."

Historical Heroes: Champions of Menstrual Rights

·         Judy Blume: Her book "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." openly discussed menstruation, sparking conversation and normalizing the topic for young girls.

·         Marlee Matlin: The actress used her platform to speak openly about her experiences with endometriosis, raising awareness about menstrual health issues.

·         Arunachalam Muruganantham: Invented a low-cost sanitary pad machine, making menstrual products more accessible to women in India.

Our historical journey through periods reveals a fascinating shift in attitudes and practices. While stigma persists in some parts of the world, the tide is turning. 

By understanding our menstrual history and celebrating the brave voices who fought for change, we can continue to break down taboos and create a future where periods are a normal and openly discussed aspect of life.