Menstrual Rituals

Abstract

Anthropological literature reveals a widespread occurrence of ritual practices related to women's cyclical bloodshedding, or menstruation, in cultures and religions throughout the world. Foremost among these are menarche (first menstruation) rituals; regular instances of ritual seclusion of menstruating women in special shelters, called “menstrual huts;” and ritual prohibitions and rules regarding food preparation, bathing, sexual contact with men, entrance to sacred places, etc., known as “menstrual taboos.” In order to convey the diversity of these rituals, this entry provides a few examples of each type of practice from a variety of cultures, including rituals in traditional settings, those prescribed by monotheistic religions, and practices from New Age or Neopagan movements. Adopting a gender‐sensitive approach, it highlights evolving interpretations of these rituals in terms of female subordination, power, agency, and creativity.