Menstruation has always been seen in a negative spotlight. Some African tribes believe that a woman will affect a man's virility if a menstruating woman is sleeping in his bed (Gomez-Sanchez, 373). The Ubangui believe that if a woman prepares food while she is menstruating that she will give her husband bad fortune while he is at war and will be shot to the point where his blood runs freely (Gomez-Sanchez, 374). According to other cultures, menstrual blood had evil qualities. Similar ideas spread throughout Western Europe where it is believed that menstrual blood prevented germination of plants, make fruits fall from trees, make animals abort, cause the skies to be pitch black and dark, cause rust and iron to blackened, and turn mirrors foggy. (Gomez- Sanchez, 374). Some cultures absolutely believe menstrual blood to be a symbol of impurity. Ironically, the vagina is a self-cleaning organ and has unique maintenance. Even now, notorious discomfort persists when dealing with the topic on menstruation. Menstruation should be seen as a biological event rather than a taboo topic.
Comparing history to modern day, the menstrual cycle is still a taboo topic. According to a 2016 online Huffington news article, "Menstrual Cycle Still a Barrier to Achieve Gender Equality," the menstrual cycle is still not a topic that is ever mentioned in Nepal.
Resources:
Gómez-Sánchez, Pio Iván, et al. "Menstruation In History." Investigacion & Educacion En Enfermeria 30.3 (2012):
377. MedicLatina. Web. 29 Apr. 2016.
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