Nowadays, menstruation is often seen as a simple biological process in women. But this phenomenon actually has symbolic importance in many cultures around the world. So, what are the different rituals for celebrating menstruation according to cultures? Discover in this article the diversity of these rituals, with a particular focus on the first menstruation, marking the passage to adulthood.
Menarche rituals: a symbolic passage in the lives of young girls
India: Ritusuddhi, a family celebration
Let's start with India . Here, some communities welcome the first menstruation with joy, especially in the south of the country. This is the ritual of Ritusuddhi : it is an important ceremony that marks the young girl's entry into puberty and celebrates her future ability to give life. Organized as a family, the ceremony can last several days. During this moment, there are mainly prayers, offerings and gifts. For the young girl, it is a moment of pride, but also of transition to a new phase of responsibilities.
The ritual of Ritusuddhi highlights the importance of fertility in Indian culture, associating it with values of respect and sacredness. However, it is not practiced by all Indian families.
The Navajos: Kinaalda, a purification ritual
The Navajo (or Dineh) are an indigenous people of North America , whose territory covers the area from New Mexico to Arizona. For them, the first menstruation is also a moment to celebrate, called the Kinaalda ritual . It is a community ceremony that takes place after menarche and often lasts several days. Typically, the young girl who has just had her first period is surrounded by her family and community, with whom she prays and sings during this period. She is also guided by an older woman, whose goal is to help her through this passage.
It is a spiritual ritual, seen as a connection between the girl and mother earth. The girl is then considered a future bearer of life, and she now bears all the responsibilities associated with this role.
The Ndebele of South Africa: a festive initiation
Not far from India, we now find ourselves among the Ndebele , an ethnic group from South Africa . Among these people, the first menstruation is celebrated during initiation rituals . These are in fact ceremonies, which can be collective, but above all which mark the young girl's entry into adult life. In general, the festivities are based on dances, songs and family gatherings, during which the young girl is honored.
Moreover, this passage from childhood to adulthood is associated with the teaching of the responsibilities of an adult woman. And this, as much on the family level as on the community level.
Menstruation in traditional and modern societies
Chhaupadi in Nepal: a controversial ritual
Contrary to what we have just seen, there are also cultures in which menstruation is a taboo subject , and a sign of restrictions. In Nepal , for example, the practice of Chhaupadi requires women to isolate themselves when they have their periods . They are in fact considered impure during this period. Women then find themselves alone in special huts, often in unsanitary conditions.
And despite what one might think, it is a fairly common practice in rural areas, although it is dangerous for women's health. This is also why Chhaupadi has been officially banned by the Nepalese government. But as with any decision, this ritual still persists in some communities.
Contemporary rituals in Western societies
In the West , menstruation has also been a taboo subject for a long time. It was always discussed discreetly. However, in recent decades, some feminist movements have been working to reintroduce celebratory rituals around the first menstruation. This is how women's circles whose mission is to celebrate this moment of transition have emerged. The goal is to remind people that menstruation is a natural and positive phenomenon . During these modern celebrations, the focus is generally on the empowerment of young girls and the recognition of their bodies . Ultimately, the idea here is to break the taboos around menstruation, by offering spaces for discussion and exchange, for example.
The Bemba in Zambia: Teaching Traditions
Let's now go to the south of Africa, to Zambia . Here, the Bemba celebrate the first menstruation through initiation rituals . These represent a real moment of sharing for the entire community , it is very important. On the program here: mainly dances and ceremonies. And it is also an opportunity for older women to pass on advice and lessons to the young girl about what adult life means. These teachings often concern practical tips.
Among the Bemba, if this rite of passage is considered a celebration of femininity, it also helps to strengthen the bonds between the different generations. And that's a bonus!
The evolution of rituals in a globalized world
Globalization and the evolution of traditions
More and more nowadays, with the phenomena of globalization and increasing urbanization, many traditional rituals related to menstruation are beginning to disappear. It must be said that certain elements contribute to the attenuation of these practices, among which the influence of the media, modern education or even social changes. Today, community rituals are being lost in favor of more discreet and private practices .
However, as with any tradition, some communities strive to preserve these customs and continue to pass these rituals on to future generations as much as possible.
Contemporary issues surrounding menstruation
In recent years, the issue of menstruation has been at the heart of broader debates on women's rights. This is particularly true regarding access to menstrual hygiene products and education . More and more voices (female and male!) are being raised to denounce taboos and improve menstrual hygiene conditions in regions where women still have difficulty accessing basic sanitary products.
In the media and on social media, menstruation is now discussed openly , with awareness campaigns aimed at educating and changing mindsets. The movement towards normalizing menstruation in public discourse marks a turning point in the history of rituals and social perceptions .
Conclusion
Finally, we can agree that the rituals of celebrating menstruation can vary widely from one culture to another. However, they share one thing in common: they symbolize the passage to adulthood and the recognition of female fertility. And while some practices are set to disappear with globalization, others are reinvented or reintroduced in a modern context. In any case, it is crucial to continue to break the taboos surrounding this subject in today's world.
