Insta Buzz: 7 Stupid Superstitions Around Menstruation

By Ruchi Sharma

As we have always known- ‘Jitne log utni baatein’. But sometimes the tall tales are minus all logic and simply bamboozle us. One such thing is- ‘Superstitions’! We have all grown up listening to many beliefs like eating curd sugar before leaving for exams or something important is good. These little cute beliefs warmed our hearts as it was associated with well wishes of the family, but surely stupid superstitions cannot be digested. There are plenty of them around- 'Menstruation’. 

We have never been able to understand the concept of periods being treated like a taboo? Having a baby is completely fine and people rejoice in it, isn’t period actually related to it too? Well, to each their own but we couldn’t stop ourselves from discussing some of the most ridiculous notions we have heard over the years related to periods. We cover topics like these and many more on our Instagram Page too, and from there we picked one such carousel for our Insta Buzz this time. So, here goes:

1. "You cannot enter the kitchen when menstruating because everything you cook or touch will get spoiled"

We really want to meet that person who came up with this notion and salute them *sarcasm*! The actual story was in ancient times there were no pads etc. available and for that time of the month, women were given a break from all household chores so they could rest. Of course there were myths then too, but it was purely because of lack of education. With the world progressing so much and all of us aware about science, just speaking of this nonsense is stupid. How does the food know the person making it is menstruating? We are really curious to know this!

2. "It's a bad omen if men see menstruating women before leaving for work"

Sigh! Just think from the perspective that your mom comes to wish you all the best with her blessings for your important meeting and you consider it a bad omen because she is menstruating? Are you serious? Do the same rules apply to seeing a pregnant woman too? No right? Then a menstruating woman is not different at all.

3. "You cannot wash your hair when on periods"

So if for some reason you slipped, fell down  and your hair is full of mud and dirt and you smell like anything, then also you can’t wash your hair for the next 5 days as you are on a period. It is sounding ridiculous to you now, right? The science actually says taking a warm shower during the periods helps relieve its symptoms. You should avoid using hot water to wash your hair as it can lead to hair loss and this applies to regular days too, not just when you are on your periods.

4. "Holding a baby during menstruation time will make the baby sick"

Generally, postpartum a new mother can get her first period within five or six weeks post delivery. So, if we go by this myth, will the new mom stop breastfeeding her baby just because she can’t hold him or her? Now on one side it's said a mom should only feed the baby breast milk for the first six months and on the other side this ridiculous notion. When a mom can hold her baby so can any other woman, it cannot make the baby sick. Baby falls sick only if you don’t maintain proper hygiene so wash your hands carefully before you hold them.

5. "You cannot sit and eat with your family when you are on your periods"

Doesn’t family mean people who stay with you through thick and thin? If you can’t even share a common space like a dining table with them every 5 days of the month, sharing how you are feeling, then we have no words. This is actually the time of the month when the lady should be treated like a queen with love and care not shunned out.

6. "Sour foods like curd, pickles, or tamarind can disturb the menstrual flow"

The point is you should eat healthy when on periods, having certain foods cannot affect the menstrual flow. We are all mature enough to understand what’s the correct proportion to eat right? So as long as you stick to eating healthy, you can have all these sour foods in moderation without a care in the world.

7. "Menstruating women can cast a black magic spell"

Well if they could then they would have cast it on the person who came up with this superstition *sarcasm*. It is as ridiculous as it sounds and for your mental sanity stay away as much as possible from people who speak such nonsense.

These were some superstitions about periods that we keep on hearing on a daily basis. They irritate us to no end for sure. Have you heard any more of these? Do let us know in the comments section below.