Menstruation Traditions Around the World

Menstruation is a universal experience, but the way it is understood, talked about, and treated varies widely from culture to culture. While biology is the same everywhere, traditions and beliefs can shape how people feel about their periods, how they care for themselves, and whether they feel supported or stigmatized. Exploring different cultural practices helps us understand the progress being made, and why open, science-based conversations about menstrual health are so important.

Menstruation in Historical Context

Across history, menstruation has often been surrounded by myths and taboos. In some societies, periods were seen as a sign of impurity, while in others they were linked to spiritual power. Even today, traditions passed down through families and communities influence how teens first learn about their bodies. According to UNESCO, at least 500 million people worldwide lack access to adequate menstrual products and facilities, and stigma often makes this challenge even harder to solve.

In parts of Nepal, the tradition of chhaupadi required menstruating girls and women to stay in small huts away from their families during their cycles. Although this practice has been outlawed, reports show it still continues in rural areas. Girls may miss school or be exposed to unsafe conditions because of these customs. In India, menstruation is often surrounded by religious restrictions, such as being told not to enter temples or kitchens while bleeding. A 2018 survey by UNICEF found that 71% of adolescent girls in India had no knowledge of menstruation before their first period, showing how silence and stigma continue to affect education.

In several African countries, menstruation is still a taboo subject, leading to shame and missed opportunities. Studies from Uganda and Kenya reveal that many girls miss school during their periods due to a lack of sanitary products or privacy in bathrooms. However, cultural responses are also shifting. Community-led organizations have introduced reusable pads and menstrual education programs, helping reduce stigma and improve school attendance. For example, a UNESCO report highlighted that in Sub-Saharan Africa, 1 in 10 girls misses school during menstruation, which can add up to as much as 20% of the academic year.

In China and Japan, menstruation has historically been treated with discretion. In some traditions, periods were viewed as a time of imbalance, and girls were expected to rest. Even today, talking about periods can still feel uncomfortable in some families. However, younger generations are pushing for openness. In 2020, Japan introduced the option of paid menstrual leave in workplaces, reflecting progress in recognizing menstrual health as part of overall well-being.

In many Latin American countries, menstruation has traditionally been treated as a private matter. Girls often learn about periods through family members rather than in school, and stigma can make open conversation difficult. Research from Plan International shows that in countries like Peru and Guatemala, over 50% of girls reported feelings of shame or secrecy when managing their periods. At the same time, feminist movements in the region are challenging these attitudes, calling for better menstrual education and policies to address period poverty.

Even in countries like the United States and across Europe, periods have long been treated as something to hide. Euphemisms like “that time of the month” reflect lingering discomfort. However, advocacy has grown in recent years. Scotland became the first country in the world to make period products free in 2020, a groundbreaking step toward menstrual equity. In the United States, over 30 states have introduced or passed laws to remove taxes on menstrual products, often referred to as the “tampon tax.”

Understanding cultural traditions around menstruation is not just about history. These beliefs and practices still affect access to education, healthcare, and equality today. Whether it’s missing school because of stigma, being excluded from religious spaces, or lacking safe products, the impact of cultural attitudes is very real. At the same time, cultural change is happening — with activism, education, and awareness movements breaking the silence around periods worldwide.

Periods are not a source of shame. They are a healthy, natural part of life. By learning about different traditions and practices, we can see how important it is to replace stigma with understanding, silence with conversation, and restrictions with empowerment. Whether in rural Nepal or downtown New York, the message should be the same: every girl deserves dignity, education, and care during her period.