Leviticus 15:19-20
I'm old enough to remember when commercials for feminine hygiene products began on television. What was once a taboo subject in nearly all settings was there for all to consider, whether they wanted to or not. The women who were the spokesperson cheerfully proclaimed the freedom which these products would provide, complete with demonstrations about absorbancy. As a husband with two daughters I was certainly aware of the realities of menstruation within our household. But the television ads seemed so...public.
Years later my discomfort seems rather silly, yet there is a long history of regarding menstruation as an impurity rather than a normal part of the life cycle of women at a certain stage of life. The verses from Leviticus are part of a longer passage on impurity which seems excessive, at least from my 21st century gentile perspective. Observant women in some Jewish traditions undergo a ritual cleansing in the days following their monthly period in a bath called a mikveh. Many consider it a positive, transformative experience.
Mikveh Scene from Sex in the City
Why, oh why, would this aging male be addressing this subject? Scotland just became the first country to provide free menstrual products for all. There are community initiatives in Canada which provide these products to those who are homeless or on the edges of poverty, sometimes offering them through food banks. They are expensive for women who can barely afford food. There are programs in schools and universities as well. Scotland's program will be comprehensive.
It's important for societies to overcome stigmas which further marginalize women and this seems like an important step. There is the gospel story of Jesus being touched by a woman who had experienced what was likely a vaginal flow of blood for years -- there have been medical journal articles written about this story. Rather than rejecting her, Jesus offered healing and acceptance.
Perhaps Canada will follow Scotland's lead.
Now there was a woman who had been suffering from a flow of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all she had on physicians,[a] no one could cure her. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, and immediately her flow of blood stopped. Then Jesus asked, “Who touched me?” When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds are hemming you in and pressing against you.”
But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I noticed that power had gone out from me.” When the woman realized that she could not remain hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him and how she had been immediately healed. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”
Luke 8:43-48
2 comments:
Our centuries old interpretation of the Garden of Eden expulsion story has left us with assuming menstruation and all things related to child bearing and child birth are a curse, when , really, this marvel of creation is a wondrous thing. Yes, it is inconvenient and painful, excruciatingly so for some, when things are not quite right. But what a gift, to be able to procreate! I commend the countries who see the provision of sanitary supplies to all, free of charge! It should be seen as a nod of respect to the female half of the race, without which we would not have humanity ! (Birth control should be free, too!)
Thanks Judy. It's curious that all three of the "people of the Book" religions have menstruation restrictions.That could be a blog for another day!
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