Native American society is much more understanding of the transition into puberty than contemporary Americans tend to be. Traditionally, the Native Americans believed that menstruation was also something to be almost worshiped, not something to be ashamed of. In fact, women were respected while menstruating because they could shed blood without dying, and were also seen to be more powerful spiritually.[1] This is not surprising considering Native American culture was traditionally much more open about sexuality, puberty, and menstruation than American culture.
Young women undergoing puberty go through a celebration. Traditionally, the Apache tribe would have a “Sunrise Ceremony,” a four-day celebration to celebrate the first menstruation. The young woman and other women of the tribe come together and sing songs, dance dances and exchange gifts and blessings.[2] This puberty ceremony shows that the Apache tribe, as well as other Native American tribes, consider the switch from childhood to adulthood as a cause for celebration. They are very open about menstruation and the process that the woman is going through to become an adult.
In comparison, puberty and menstruation is more taboo in the United States. Contemporary views of menstruation in America are more of a “don’t ask, don’t tell” basis. The subject is considered awkward, and when a woman is menstruating they are expected to handle it themselves. They can seek solace in their female friends; however, menstruating is often considered disgusting. Even though it is a part of life, and a necessity in order for the human species to carry on surviving, the culture in America around menstruation is one that does not encourage openness. There is no celebration when a young woman menstruates for the first time, and many will not seek help or advice when it happens because it’s seen as embarrassing. Society has created a closed wall around the subject of menstruation.
We can learn a lot from the Native Americans, including about menstruation. Because they are so open about the process, a woman is more respected because they menstruate and more educated in why. The process is not seen as taboo. In the U.S., the topic is often ignored in schools and by people that are not close with a woman that is menstruating. This can be dangerous because a woman may, therefore, be reluctant to seek help if something wrong happens, to educate herself about what is happening to her, and may become embarrassed of their bodies. The traditional Native American approach to menstruation is more beneficial than that of the contemporary American view.
[1] F., Shannon, Menstrual Rites of the Native Americans (Cycle Harmony, 2014)
[2] Yupanqui, Tika, Apache Female Puberty Sunrise Ceremony (1999)
Bibliography:
- Shannon F., Menstrual Rites of the Native Americans (Cycle Harmony, 2014)
- Tika Yupanqui, Apache Female Puberty Sunrise Ceremony (1999)
