Menstrual Taboo

A menstrual taboo is any social taboo concerned with menstruation. In some societies it involves menstruation being perceived as unclean or embarrassing. Many traditional religions consider menstruation ritually unclean.

Many religions like Hinduism, Islam or Judaism etc. Believe that women are impure during her mensuration periods and not allowed to make physical relation with men. Even in Hinduism women are not allowed to do the daily household jobs. They are not allowed to go in kitchen also, whereas in Islam woman is not allowed to offer prayer or to perform other religious activities such as fasting or circumambulating the Kaaba, etc. This is in accordance with the law of the uncleanliness of any blood. Sexual intercourse with the husband is strictly prohibited during menstrual periods. However, she can perform all other acts of social life as normal. Unlike the above religion in Sikhism, a woman is given equal status to man and is regarded as pure as man is. The Gurus teach that one cannot be pure by washing his body but purity of mind is the real pureness. Guru Nānak, the founder of Sikhism, condemned the practice of treating women as impure while menstruating. In Sikhism, the menstrual cycle is not considered a pollutant. The Guru makes it very clear that the menstrual cycle is a God-given process. All blood, even that in men, has originated from menstrual blood. The blood of a woman is required for the creation of any human being. So it cannot be impure.

Why people don’t want to talk about it ?

Why it is awkward?      

Many religions believe that,“Menstrual blood is impure, bad blood”.

Menstrual blood in ancient times was considered highly powerful and potent. It was used in many rituals and especially in making magic potions. Even today, anything that is red in color used in ceremonies is apparently indicative of the ancient ritual of using menstrual blood.

The other reason I came across was that menstruating women become open to receiving and absorbing energy during this time. This means, they can easily absorb other’s energies, including negative energies. Hence, they are asked to stay away from crowds and gatherings

“Menstruating women should not enter temples or participate in religious ceremonies”