Nay-Nay and any other female of a background that treats menstruation as something bad, please do not take offense.
IMO, these rituals show plainly the fear men have always had about women. In "pagan" times, before organized religion as we know it, that time of the month was celebrated.
Of course it was celebrated because it is the reason we can bring forth life.
But as male dominated religions began to coming to power, it was not only stopped, but turned completely around.
In our society there is still a lot of shame heaped on a woman because of that natural cycle and...it pisses me off!
I blame religion for everything
Thanks Jennuine73. Along with all the other ways to shame women, there is also menstruation. One of the most fundamental and important life-producing functions of our bodies and too many men (who were all born only because their mothers bled) don't want to hear about it and call it "gross", "disgusting" or just simply ignore it.
Men should understand and respect the amzing process of a woman who bleeds, and support her unequivocally instead of making her feel dirty and unattractive.
To these men I say.... MAN UP!!!