Periods, also known as menstruation, have been a mystery and a taboo topic for centuries. Many cultures around the world have created their own myths and beliefs surrounding menstruation, often leading to confusion and misinformation. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most interesting and unique period-predicting myths from different countries and cultures.
1. China – “The Red Thread”
In ancient China, it was believed that a red thread connected a woman’s uterus to her heart. This thread would tighten and loosen according to a woman’s menstrual cycle, causing changes in her emotions. If a woman was feeling angry or sad, it was seen as a sign that her period was approaching. This belief was also used to explain why women were more emotional during their periods.
2. India – “The Cow’s Milk”
In certain parts of India, it is believed that drinking cow’s milk can predict a woman’s next period. If the milk curdles or spoils quickly, it is believed that the woman will have her period soon. This belief stems from the idea that cows are sacred animals and have a connection to fertility and menstruation.
3. Japan – “The Moon’s Influence”
In Japan, it is believed that a woman’s period is influenced by the phases of the moon. It is said that if a woman’s period starts during a full moon, she will have a more difficult and painful period. On the other hand, if her period starts during a new moon, it will be less painful and more manageable. This belief has no scientific evidence, but it is still widely believed and practiced in Japan.
4. Nigeria – “The Palm Kernel Soup Test”
In Nigeria, there is a myth that a woman’s next period can be predicted by testing the viscosity of her palm kernel soup. It is believed that if the soup is thin and watery, the woman will have her period soon. However, if the soup is thick and sticky, her period is not expected anytime soon. This belief has been passed down for generations and is still practiced in some Nigerian households.
5. Ancient Greece – “The Phases of the Moon”
In ancient Greece, it was believed that a woman’s menstrual cycle was connected to the phases of the moon. It was believed that if a woman’s period started during a full moon, it was a sign of fertility and good luck. However, if her period started during a new moon, it was seen as a bad omen and a sign of infertility.
Period Predicting Myths From Around the World
6. Native American – “The Red Tent”
In many Native American cultures, women were considered sacred during their periods and were required to retreat to a “red tent” during this time. It was believed that a woman’s menstrual blood was a powerful life force and that she needed to rest and recharge during her period. This belief is still practiced by some Native American communities today.
7. Mexico – “The Onion Test”
In Mexico, there is a popular belief that a woman’s next period can be predicted by placing an onion under her bed while she sleeps. If the onion has a strong smell in the morning, it is believed that the woman will have her period soon. This belief is still widely practiced in rural areas of Mexico.
8. Ancient Egypt – “The Nile River”
In ancient Egypt, it was believed that a woman’s period was connected to the annual flooding of the Nile River. It was believed that the Nile’s floodwaters represented the cleansing and renewal of a woman’s body during her period. This belief also led to the worship of the goddess Isis, who was believed to have control over fertility and menstruation.
9. Australia – “The Witchetty Grub”
In some indigenous Australian cultures, it is believed that eating witchetty grubs can help predict a woman’s next period. If a woman eats a witchetty grub and it tastes sweet, her period is expected soon. However, if it tastes bitter, her period is not expected for a while. This belief is still practiced by some Aboriginal communities in Australia.
10. Ancient Rome – “The Menstrual Cake”
In ancient Rome, there was a belief that a woman’s menstrual cycle was connected to the moon and that it had a strong influence on her fertility. To predict when a woman would have her period, a special cake made with barley and honey was offered to the moon goddess, Diana. If the cake was eaten by a dog, it was seen as a sign that the woman would have her period soon.
In conclusion, periods have been surrounded by myths and beliefs since ancient times. While many of these beliefs have no scientific evidence, they are still widely practiced and believed in different cultures around the world. These myths not only reflect the cultural attitudes towards menstruation but also show how women’s bodies have been seen as mysterious and unpredictable. It is important to educate ourselves and others about periods and debunk these myths to promote accurate and healthy menstrual practices.
