The menstrual cycle has been present in women since early human development. As a result of its everlasting presence, one way humans have tried to explain its existence is through religion. However, as cultures developed and patriarchal societies advanced, menstrual taboos and their resulting practices emerged. Most practices or traditions that directly correlate with menstrual taboos often result in the isolation and restriction of women that is often detrimental to their mental and physical health. In this research project, I investigate how Hinduism’s doctrines and persons of Hindu societies view menstruating women. The question I sought to answer was, what traditions, if any, are menstruating people expected to observe? This investigation was accomplished by reviewing literature about women in Hindu societies and collecting qualitative data by interviewing one participant of Indian and Hindu background.
