Like many girls, I still vividly recall the moment I experienced my first period. The unsettling sensations in my stomach in the days leading up to it, the sudden appearance of blood in the toilet, and my initial, clumsy attempts to use pads and tampons. I felt alone, convinced I was the only fifth grader facing this milestone, grappling with embarrassing leaks and painful cramps. At just 10 years old, I believed I was the only one navigating this journey, which made the experience isolating and sometimes filled with shame.
Fortunately, I had a supportive mother who helped me handle this new chapter with dignity, ensuring I never felt ashamed of what was happening to my body. Still, I found myself wishing that menstruation wasn’t such a taboo topic, so shrouded in embarrassment and guilt. I longed for a world where this natural transition was embraced rather than hidden, where girls were honored rather than made to feel “dirty” or weak.
Girls deserve respect and celebration when they begin menstruating. The arrival of their period marks a significant transformation into womanhood, which is a remarkable milestone. Imagine how different their lives could be if society welcomed them into this phase with accolades and recognition—shaping their perceptions of their bodies, reproductive health, and sexuality positively.
Interestingly, the notion that a girl’s first period is a subject best left unspoken is largely a cultural construct. In various cultures, a girl’s first menstruation is acknowledged and celebrated as an important rite of passage. For example, in Sri Lanka, a tradition known as poopunitha neerathu vizha honors this momentous occasion. According to Malarvilly Karunagaran, a mother featured in an article for Globe and Mail, the ritual involves informing close relatives, giving the girl a ceremonial bath with saffron and milk, and inviting a priest for blessings, followed by a lavish public celebration that can cost families up to $20,000.
To many of us, such a grand celebration might seem excessive, but for the girls involved, it represents a customary and joyful event, akin to a Sweet Sixteen or a Bar Mitzvah. As Senthura, one of the sisters interviewed, remarked, “All my friends had it, so I am happy to have it too.”
Similarly, the Beng women of the Ivory Coast celebrate a girl’s first period as a blossoming event, showering her with gifts and treating her “like a queen.” The Navajo culture also holds a multi-day celebration that includes dressing in beautiful clothing, indulging in delicious food, and enjoying singing and dancing—complete with cake, of course.
These cultural practices raise the question: Could “period parties” be beneficial in our society as well? Though many still face stigma around menstruation, a growing number of families are aiming to change that narrative. In 2012, a website called Menarche Parties R Us emerged, offering kits for hosting period parties, complete with games, decorations, and instructions. For those who prefer a DIY approach, Pinterest abounds with creative suggestions for celebrating this milestone.
A noteworthy example from earlier this year was the story of 12-year-old Mia Johnson, whose mother organized an incredible period party that included a “Congrats On Your Period” cake adorned with red icing and gift-wrapped menstrual products. The pride and joy on Mia’s face highlighted the importance of celebrating this transition rather than treating it as something to be ashamed of.
While a period party may not be suitable for everyone, it’s crucial for us to rethink how we approach this significant event in our daughters’ lives. Experiencing your first period should not be a source of stress or shame, but rather a cherished occasion that celebrates a young woman’s strength and beauty.
For more insights into navigating these milestones, check out this blog post and consider resources like Make a Mom for authoritative information on family planning. Additionally, Facts About Fertility offers excellent resources related to pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, celebrating a girl’s first period is a significant cultural practice that can empower and positively influence her relationship with her body. By reimagining how we acknowledge this milestone, we can foster an environment of respect and celebration for young women.