The onset of puberty and the menstrual cycle is a fundamental and healthy part of our lives. In some parts of the world, menarche is celebrated. But surprisingly there are still thousands of ignorant and and unaware people with bizarre notions on periods. Often, women are considered as impure and unclean while menstruating, and prohibited from participating in normal life. Then there are taboos and superstitions that make lives of women on their period even harder. For instance, in Malaysia, it is believed that women on their period should wash their pads before throwing them out otherwise, ghosts will come and haunt them. Unbelievable, isn’t it?
On the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day, we share a list of some silly global superstitions related to menstruation. We bet you’d be taken by surprise.
1. Beware Of A Shark Attack
In many parts of the world, it is believed that women who go surfing in the ocean on their period are prone to shark attacks.
Damn! All men are forever safe?!
Also Read About Choosing The Right Menstruation Products
2. Do Not Touch A Flower
In Romania, it is believed that a woman on her period must not touch a blooming flower, else it’ll die quicker.
Really? Did you know you were that powerful, woman?
Also Read: Funny Period Quotes
3. Tame Your Temper
In some parts of Greece, it is believed that you shouldn’t get angry while you’re on your period or else your period will stop.
Guess it’s time to unleash the Hulk inside of you, ladies!
4. You Must Not Enter The Kitchen
In India and other parts of the world, people say that women who are on their menstrual cycle must not enter the kitchen. Doing so, they will contaminate the food with their ‘uncleanliness’ and anything they prepare will be a disaster.
High time men learn how to cook, then!
5. Do Not Wash Your Hair
In Afghanistan, it is said that during the week a woman has her period she cannot wash her hair or take a shower because doing so will make her infertile.
Clearly Afghanistan requires a new sex ed syllabus!
6. Do Not Touch The Curd
If it’s that time of the month for you, you must never touch curd, whipped cream or mayonnaise as it will curdle them.
Ya right!
7. You Shouldn’t Hold A Newborn
Did you know that? Reportedly, In Bolivia, it is said that women on their period must not hold babies because it will hurt their bellies. And it doesn’t stop at that. You mustn’t touch a newborn because it will leave a mark on them and not even cradle babies or you’ll cause them to get sick.
This hurt, a lot.
8. The Dough Won’t Rise
Ever heard of this silly superstition? Apparently, you shouldn’t make bread, dough or engage in baking while you’re on your period as it deactivates the yeast and your dough won’t rise.
Isn’t that the perfect excuse?
9. You Must Not Enter Temples
Women on their periods are considered unclean and impure. Thus, they are not allowed to enter “clean” and holy places like temples. This myth exists in parts of the world ranging from Bali and India to Nepal.
Denial of human rights? Wow.
10. Do Not Touch The Pickle
Remember the advertisement by a brand that sells sanitary napkins that addressed this taboo? Well, apparently, while menstruating if a girl handled the jars containing vegetable pickles, she would spoil them.
Grow up, already!
11. Do Not Get A Haircut
This might come across as extremely absurd but that’s the effect superstitions have on us. They say you shouldn’t cut your hair while on your period and not have your hair cut by someone who’s on their period.
Why? Because ‘they’ say.
12. You’re Bad Luck
This might be the most bizarre thing ever. In China, it is a widely known and still practised superstition that women on their period bring bad luck in terms of money.
Can someone remind them of ‘lady luck’?
