E23 The Bloody Truth About Feminine Hygiene & The Politics of Menstruation

Join Kori, Zab & Jan as they explore the history, cultural significance, and societal perceptions of menstruation across different cultures and eras. It delves into how menstruation was once revered as a source of power and spirituality, and how it became stigmatized and regulated over time. This episode explores the history, cultural perceptions, and politics of menstruation, highlighting how societal attitudes have evolved and the ongoing challenges women face. Join us as we delve into the myths, marketing, and policy issues surrounding menstrual health.   Show Notes Takeaways: \- Many cultures historically viewed menstruation as a spiritual power rather than impurity. \- Ancient societies celebrated menstruation with rituals and regarded it as a connection to fertility. \- Religious laws, especially in Judeo-Christian traditions, contributed to the perception of menstruation as impure. \- Modern society has shifted from reverence to regulation and shame around menstruation. \- Understanding the cultural history of menstruation can help challenge current stigmas.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the cultural significance of menstruation 01:14 Menstruation as a universal human experience and its history 02:07 From sacred power to societal regulation 10:22 Cultural beliefs and rituals around menstruation in indigenous societies 13:07 Menstruation as a spiritual connection in Native American cultures 14:30 Menstruation and feminine power in indigenous traditions 18:34 Celebrations and rituals honoring menstruation in different cultures 22:28 The modern shift: from sacred to shame and regulation 27:14 Historical beliefs about menstruation and religious influences 33:39 The impact of religious laws and myths on menstrual perceptions 36:54 The influence of early science and societal beliefs on menstrual stigma   References: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). *Vaginitis*. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org Buckley, T., & Gottlieb, A. (Eds.). (1988). *Blood magic: The anthropology of menstruation*. University of California Press. Douglas, M. (1966). *Purity and danger: An analysis of concepts of pollution and taboo*. Routledge. Gottlieb, A. (2004). *The afterlife is where we come from: The culture of infancy in West Africa*. University of Chicago Press. Lerner, G. (1986). *The creation of patriarchy*. Oxford University Press. Martin, E. (2001). *The woman in the body: A cultural analysis of reproduction* (Revised ed.). Beacon Press. Office on Women's Health. (2024). *Douching*. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.womenshealth.gov Pliny the Elder. (1855). *The natural history of Pliny* (J. Bostock & H. T. Riley, Trans.). Henry G. Bohn. (Original work published ca. 77 CE) Smithsonian Institution. (n.d.). Feminine hygiene products. Retrieved from https://www.si.edu The Holy Bible, Leviticus 15:19–33 (New Revised Standard Version or preferred edition). Victoria and Albert Museum. (2026). *Sanitary suspenders to Mooncups: A brief history of menstrual products*. Retrieved from https://www.vam.ac.uk Contact Information: Find Murder of Crones on You Tube, Tik Tok, Facebook and Instagram.  Email : [mofcrones@gmail.com](mailto:mofcrones@gmail.com)   Special Thanks to www.dinnissendesign.com for Zabrina’s use of their show room for recording. Check them out for all your interior design needs. Dinnissen Design is located in Vancouver and Castlegar BC.