Menstruation

=**Menstruation** = Menstruation is the periodic discharge of blood and [|mucosal tissue] from the [|inner lining of the uterus] through the [|vagina] (via Wikipedia).toc

//Sometimes referred to as: aunt flo, riding the cotton pony, (moon) cycle, period, surfing, crimson tide, the curse, on the rag, shark week, etc. //

This is a promotional video from HelloFlo.com, but it is demonstrative of some of the cultural attitudes around menstruation and menarche in the United States. The Mom's reaction in the video is not demonstrative of stereotypical cultural responses, but the daughter's embarrassment may be reminiscent of some of the shame surrounding menstruation.

media type="youtube" key="NEcZmT0fiNM" width="560" height="315" align="center"

Blood Magic
Blood Magic is a term that describes the symbolic potency of menstrual blood. This is relevant because practices, norms, and expectations about menstruation vary across cultures and subcultures.



Cultural practices around menstruation vary from culture to culture, and then there's even more diversity within cultures, as well. What does menstruation look like around the world?
 * =Menstruation in Bangladesh cultures=
 * =Menstruation in Native American cultures=
 * =[|Menstruation in Nepal cultures]=