Period Practices in Indigenous Cultures: A Look at Canada’s Indigenous Peoples and Beyond.
Menstruation is often seen through a lens of taboo or discomfort in many cultures, but for Indigenous peoples, it is a natural, spiritual, and powerful aspect of life. Indigenous cultures worldwide have long held unique beliefs and practices surrounding menstruation, with a deep respect for the cyclical nature of women’s bodies and their connection to the earth, spirituality, and community. In Canada, as well as other parts of the world, Indigenous peoples have fostered practices that honor menstruation as sacred, a time for reflection, renewal, and connection to the broader natural world.
The Sacredness of Menstruation in Indigenous Cultures
For many Indigenous cultures, menstruation is not a taboo or shameful occurrence, but a time for reverence. Women’s menstrual cycles were often seen as linked to the moon’s cycles and the earth’s natural rhythms. This connection symbolized a greater unity between women, the earth, and the cosmos.
In many Indigenous communities, menstruating women were seen as possessing heightened spiritual energy. It was believed that their bodies were in tune with the cycles of the earth, giving them wisdom and strength that could be used for healing and guiding their communities. As such, menstruating women were often treated with great respect.
Period Practices Among Canada’s Indigenous Peoples
In Canada, various Indigenous groups, including the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, have diverse and distinct menstrual practices, but they share common threads of reverence and respect for women’s bodies.
- The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy)
In the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, menstruation is traditionally viewed as a time of spiritual strength and power. Women were considered to be closest to the Creator during their periods, and many traditions held that they were the keepers of wisdom during this time. The cycle of menstruation was connected to the cycles of nature, and women were often regarded as protectors of the community’s health and well-being during their monthly cycles.
The Haudenosaunee practiced a period of retreat for women when menstruating. These women might rest in seclusion to honor their spiritual connection with the earth, avoiding physical work and community rituals, as their energies were considered sacred. This practice also allowed them the space to heal, rejuvenate, and reflect.
- The Cree and Ojibwe Nations
Among the Cree and Ojibwe nations, menstruation was seen as a time of purification. Women might retreat to a secluded space, often referred to as a “moon lodge” or “menstrual tent,” where they would stay during their menstrual cycles. This practice allowed women to reconnect with themselves and the earth, giving them the space to rest and renew their spiritual and physical energies.
The Cree have a longstanding tradition of honoring the “moon time,” referring to a woman’s period, which was considered a sacred time for women to pray, reflect, and focus on their spiritual well-being. The Ojibwe also had similar practices, emphasizing the importance of honoring women’s menstrual cycles as a time for rest, reflection, and connection with the spiritual world.
- The Inuit
For the Inuit peoples of Canada’s far north, menstruation was traditionally a time for women to rest and retreat. Inuit women would often retreat to a private space during their periods, as menstruation was thought to bring them closer to the earth’s natural energies. It was also believed that a menstruating woman could possess unique powers of intuition and connection to the spiritual realm, which needed to be nurtured and respected.
Indigenous Practices Worldwide
The reverence for menstruation in Indigenous cultures is not limited to Canada’s First Nations. Many other Indigenous peoples across the world have practices and beliefs surrounding menstruation that highlight its sacredness and the role of women in maintaining balance within their communities.
- The Navajo Nation (United States)
The Navajo people believe that menstruation is a time for spiritual and physical renewal. Women, during their menstrual cycles, were traditionally thought to have a heightened spiritual power, and their connection to nature and the earth was seen as particularly strong. Similar to other Indigenous cultures, Navajo women might retreat to a special space where they could focus on their spiritual health and healing.
The Navajo also have rituals associated with menstruation that are tied to the creation stories and their beliefs about women’s cycles. These rituals were designed to honor women’s bodies and ensure their well-being and balance within the larger community.
- The Maori (New Zealand)
The Maori, Indigenous peoples of New Zealand, also have unique practices surrounding menstruation. In traditional Maori culture, menstruation was viewed as a time of spiritual strength. While women were often given time to rest during their periods, this time was not seen as one of impurity but rather as an opportunity to deepen their connection to the land and their ancestors.
Maori women traditionally wore specific garments made from flax or other natural materials during their menstruation, which helped them stay connected to the earth. These garments were also seen as protective and symbolic of their cultural and spiritual identity.
- The Zulu (South Africa)
Among the Zulu people of South Africa, menstruation was historically considered a powerful and sacred time. Women were secluded during their menstrual cycles in special huts, where they were cared for and given the space to reflect and rest. This seclusion was seen as both a time of renewal and a necessary part of a woman’s role in maintaining the balance of life within the community.
Period Practices Today
While these traditional practices surrounding menstruation were common in many Indigenous cultures, the impact of colonialism has led to the erosion of many cultural practices. Today, many Indigenous communities are working to reclaim and revitalize their traditions surrounding menstruation as part of a broader movement to reclaim Indigenous identities and knowledge.
In Canada, organizations such as Help a Girl Out (HAGO) are helping to bridge the gap between reusable menstrual products and Indigenous knowledge. In partnership with other menstrual equity organizations, like MoonTime Connections, we are empowering Indigenous women through reusable pad sewing classes and sharing circles..
Conclusion
Menstruation in Indigenous cultures, particularly those of Canada and beyond, has always been seen as a time of spiritual power, renewal, and connection to the natural world. The practices and beliefs surrounding menstruation highlight the sacred role of women and their cyclical connection to the earth. By understanding and respecting these traditions, we not only learn more about the power of menstruation but also help foster a greater respect for the rich cultural knowledge of Indigenous peoples worldwide.