How Different Cultures View & Celebrate Menstruation

Menstruation is a universal experience, yet cultures around the world have historically viewed and celebrated it in vastly different ways. While some societies embrace it as a rite of passage, others treat it with silence or stigma. Understanding these perspectives can help normalize the conversation around periods and inspire greater appreciation for menstrual health.

Menstruation as a Rite of Passage

In many cultures, a girl's first period marks the transition into womanhood and is honored with special ceremonies.

• India – Some Indian communities celebrate menarche with a grand ceremony called Ritu Kala Samskara, where family and friends gather to honor the girl with gifts and blessings.
• Japan – In Japan, some families celebrate Sekihan, a dish made of red rice and beans, to mark a girl’s first period as a sign of good fortune.
• Native American Tribes – Some Indigenous tribes, such as the Apache, have elaborate ceremonies for a girl’s first period, emphasizing strength, transformation, and connection to nature.

Stigma and Taboos

While some cultures celebrate menstruation, others regard it as something to be hidden or managed with strict customs.

• Nepal – In some rural areas, the practice of Chhaupadi (now illegal but still practiced) involves isolating menstruating women in separate huts due to beliefs that they are impure.
• Middle Eastern Countries – In some regions, menstruation is a private matter, rarely discussed openly, leading to limited education and access to menstrual products.
• Western Societies – While conversations around menstruation are becoming more open, stigma still exists, with advertisements historically portraying periods as something to be concealed rather than embraced.

Celebrating & Normalizing Menstruation Today

Thankfully, modern movements are challenging period stigma and encouraging open discussions about menstruation.

• Period Positive Campaigns – Organizations worldwide are working to provide menstrual education, free period products, and open conversations about menstrual health.
• Menstrual Leave – Countries like Japan, Indonesia, and Spain have introduced menstrual leave policies, recognizing that periods can impact work productivity and overall well-being.
• Pop Culture Influence – Celebrities and influencers are using their platforms to normalize discussions about menstruation, from openly sharing personal experiences to advocating for better menstrual health policies.

Embracing a Positive Perspective

By learning how different cultures view and celebrate menstruation, we can break down stigmas and shift toward a more inclusive, empowered approach to period care. At Period Bae, we believe menstruation should be embraced, not hidden. Our mission is to create a culture of care and understanding—whether through self-care, thoughtful gifts, or meaningful conversations.

What are your thoughts on how menstruation is perceived in your culture? Let's keep the conversation going!