Women on TikTok are breaking centuries-old taboos and embracing an ancient practice of returning menstrual blood to the Earth, in a bid to reconnect with their bodies and celebrate the natural process of menstruation. While menstruation has historically been shamed and stigmatized, many cultures, including ancient Greece, ancient Egypt, and indigenous groups, viewed it as a sign of fertility, strength, and connection.
Over time, menstruation became a hush-hush topic, with women facing shame and exclusion during their periods. However, some women on TikTok are now defying societal norms and opting to celebrate their periods through an eco-conscious ritual of returning menstrual blood to the Earth.
The practice involves various methods, with some women spraying their plants with menstrual blood, while others collect the excess liquid from their period-stained underwear in a bucket and pour it on the ground. While this trend may not resonate with everyone, those who practice it claim that it has transformed their perception of menstruation from one of shame to one of gratitude, fostering a deep connection with their bodies and the Earth.
For women like Jessica Marie Mckasson, giving her menstrual blood to the Earth is a way of honoring her body’s cyclical nature and recognizing the process that allows her to potentially create new life. Mckasson, who assists women with menstrual cycle issues, infertility, and body connection, sees the womb as a powerful place within the female body, where life can be created. She believes that menstruation is an essential part of this process.
Another woman, Becca Piastrelli, was initially repulsed by her period, but returning it to its roots almost a decade ago transformed her perspective. Piastrelli emphasizes that the practice does not need to be extreme and suggests trying it as a way to connect with one’s body. She recommends finding like-minded communities for support and reassures skeptics that the practice can be as gentle as one is comfortable with.
While the TikTok trend may evoke curiosity, it has sparked broader discussions about menstruation awareness and the global issue of “period poverty.” Approximately 500 million women and girls worldwide lack access to menstrual hygiene equipment and education, underscoring the importance of destigmatizing menstruation and promoting menstrual health.
Melissa Berton, the executive director of The Pad Project, an organization dedicated to eliminating period stigma worldwide, emphasizes the significance of breaking societal norms around menstruation. She highlights that menstruation has been a vital aspect of human existence and the continuation of the human race since time immemorial.
The act of returning menstrual blood to the Earth may be seen as revolutionary by some, but it taps into a deeply rooted appreciation for the human body and its connection to nature. As women embrace this ancient ritual, they are rewriting the narrative surrounding menstruation, replacing shame with celebration and fostering a newfound connection to their bodies and the Earth.
While the trend may not resonate with everyone, it represents a bold step toward embracing the beauty and power of a woman’s body. As the conversation around menstruation evolves, women are reclaiming their periods with pride, understanding that it is not something to be ashamed of, but rather, a natural and essential part of the human experience.
