I still remember when I first learnt about period, I was happy to discover that something so natural could empower women and make them even more beautiful. However, I was never aware of the taboos that surrounded the menstruation. I vividly recall the day when I visited one of my friend’s houses to play with her, and she was isolated in her room, forbidden from entering the kitchen. I found this strange because in my culture, such restriction didn’t exist.
The only myths that I encountered in my culture or rather from the experiences of women around me were some ridiculous beliefs that left me at a loss for words. I was told not to eat sour foods as they will stop my menstrual cycle and to avoid mingling with boys with strong zodiac sign because it would increase my menstrual flow. Looking back, I can say that these myths still persist even in the 21st century, and some women are subjected to these taboos more than others.
What is Menstrual taboo?
Menstrual taboos are social customs that restrict women from engaging in specific activities or consuming certain types of food, often stigmatizing periods as dirty or unclean.
Why is Period a taboo in India?
India is bound by customs and traditions, and superstitions are an integral part of it. As a result, various taboos and myths come along with these traditions. Most of these taboos centre around women and lack any scientific evidence to support their validity. The restrictions imposed on women during their period are predominantly rooted in myths created by men and women rather than religious context.
For centuries and even today, women have been considered inferior, making it easier to create and enforce such taboos on them. Other women also play a role in perpetuating these taboos by insisting on their modesty and rightness.
When we delve into the restrictions that women face during their periods in India, they seem countless. Every time a woman has her period, new restrictions emerge due to someone’s beliefs.
What are common taboos and myths about Menstruation?
Some of the most common restrictions imposed on women during their periods include:
- Dietary restrictions, such as avoiding sour foods or fruits like pickles or citrus, out of fear that they might disrupt the menstrual cycle or cause diseases.
- Menstrual cycles are considered impure and associated with negative energy, which is why women are not allowed to touch holy books or enter temples.
- They are also prohibited from entering the kitchen for the same reason and are discouraged from touching anything to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Women are not allowed to take a bath on the first day of their period because it is believed that they will pollute the water source.
- They are also discouraged from playing sports, as it is thought to cause more cramps and weakness.
- Participation in religious ceremonies or social events during their period is often restricted.
Conclusion
These restrictions can be so severe that some girls cannot even bid farewell to their loved ones on their deathbed or at their funerals. Such unnecessary restrictions compel women to miss out on many aspects of their lives, including enjoying the food they love during their period, simply because someone deems it inappropriate.
