People have wondered whether the menstrual cycle was connected to the moon’s phases for many centuries, generating the idea of red moon menstruation. It is not difficult to see where this idea came from. The average menstrual cycle lasts for about 29 days, the same as the lunar cycle for starters.
It is a fact that the moon controls the globe’s tides, so it is easy to imagine that the moon might influence the internal tides of the menstrual cycle. While many scientific studies criticize the hypothesis, the general public remains captivated by the notion that menstruation and the moon may be linked.
Scientific Take
Charles Darwin was one of the first people to propose a link between menses and the moon by observing the connection between the length of the menstrual cycle and that of the lunar cycle.
Since then, numerous studies have attempted to conclude whether it is true or not. In 1986, famous research claimed that there was, in fact, a link. After testing 826 women, the researchers found that 28.3% began their periods around the new moon. Another study in 1987 backed this study’s findings.
A 1977 study found that women who started their cycle on the new moon had a greater chance of becoming pregnant. On the contrary, a 2013 study that examined 74 women over one calendar year found no evidence of synchrony.
Recently, a 2021 study implies that human menstrual cycles may once have been synchronized with the lunar cycle but that artificial light and modern lifestyles have disrupted that link.
The study assessed eight women who tracked their periods for 19 to 32 years. Five of the women synced up with the moon intermittently. Synchronization periods occurred most frequently with the full or the new moon for three women.
However, a 2019 study by the period tracking app Clue used data from 1.5 million users and found no tangible link between the moon and natural menstruation. The study stated that periods start at random times, and about 1 to 2 people will have their periods 1 to 3 days before or after the full moon.
Lunar Events
There are many events that people have related to the moon over the years. These are:
1- White Moon Cycle
Those who are synced up to begin menses with the new moon and ovulation with the full moon are said to have a white moon cycle.
Some believe that this cycle happens when a menstruating person is fertile or ready to become a parent.
2- Red Moon Menstruation
People who find themselves menstruating on the full moon are said to have the red moon cycle. Spiritually, it signifies an opportunity to embrace your passionate, outgoing, and sexual side.
3- Pink Moon Cycle
The pink moon cycle is associated with transition and refers to when menses begin on the waxing moon.
4- Purple Moon Cycle
The purple moon cycle is associated with healing and refers to when menses begins on the waning moon.
Spiritual and Cultural Traditions
While many scientific studies deny this connection, countless people and cultures have found a spiritual meaning link between the menstrual cycles and the moon’s cycle. You can get more information through professionals. Book an appointment with the best Gynecologists in Karachi through Marham, and get trusted information from the experts.
Following are the different cultural traditions;
1- Ancient Greek Culture
Menstruation derives from the Latin and Greek word for moon, mene.
In Ancient Greece, doctors believed that the moon and menstrual cycle were linked. Moreover, during a woman’s menstruation period, she was thought to be spiritually and mentally powerful.
2- Indigenous Culture
Multiple indigenous cultures have a history of menses linked to the new moon. For instance, in the Ojibwe tradition, menstruation is known as “moon time.” Traditionally, women take refuge at home during this time to rest. It is believed that as women bleed, they slough off the accumulated experience and stress of being a woman. Some of those experiences are painful or may contain negative energy.
In the tradition of the Yurok tribe in California, moon time is also a significant part of the culture. A woman of the Yurok tribe said that moon time is a time of strength when she is at the height of her powers.
The women of the Yurok tribe also isolated themselves from men and family members during their moon time. They also visited a “sacred moon time pond” where spiritual bathing rituals were performed. Women of the tribe believe that they were all synced with the moon in ancient times.
Moreover, if a woman from the tribe ever fell out of synchronization, she would get back in by sitting in the moonlight and talking to the moon.
3- Ayurveda and Hindu culture
Many Hindu and Buddhist traditions link the lunar cycle and menstruation.
According to Ayurveda, blood is governed by Chandra, the moon. Women were traditionally healthier when their cycles were in sync with lunar rhythms. Moreover, women were considered lunar while men were considered solar. It was believed that the lunar cycle impacted the various stages of menstruation.
