Rituals are society’s way of teaching and maintaining culture. A
restore matrilineal lines of initiation (old women teaching young men
women) rituals are essential. A ritual of menarche (first menstruation) can
make this time easier and more meaningful for both young women
beginning of menstruation, and her mother. Such a ritual comforts the
young woman and lets her know that her feelings are natural and have
shared by women over time. Focus the attention of
community about the needs of the young woman at this time in her life. plaster
educates the young woman about what her family and society expect of her
her now that she is entering adulthood.
When your daughter’s first period arrives, congratulate her, love
her, and be sure to take care of her immediate physical and mental health.
emotional needs. Then call your community of women to
participate in the ritual you have planned. Let other women support you and
take care of both of you at this time. Don’t worry if some of the women are
embarrassed by the idea of a moontime ritual. His feelings will be
healed as they unite in honor of your daughter. and please don’t
Postpone your daughter’s ritual because she’s shy and doesn’t want to tell
someone “she has begun.” This is her moment. I recommend helping her
face it and feel good about it. Surround her with women you love and
who loves her You may be surprised, especially if you have never
witnessed a menarche ritual, the healing and joy that accompany such
a meeting.
In most menarche rituals, only women are present. the men of the
family, and young women who have not yet begun menstruation, are
invited to congratulate the new woman after the ritual, and give her gifts.
Begin your ritual by creating a sacred space in any way you feel
comfortable for you and your friends and family. turn off all phones
(and cell phones) and post “Do Not Disturb” signs on doors. Light
candles or incense, play soft music or soft percussion, read poetry, or sit in
silence.
An altar is a common way to create a sacred space. The altars help us
remember and focus on what is meaningful to us. The objects in the
altar are a symbol of the theme of the ritual. We can have symbols of the
Earth, images or statues of great or holy people or images of revered
members of the family. Flowers and other decorations are welcome. A flower
garland, to be worn later by the new woman, can be on the altar.
Another way to create a sacred space is to make a circle out of red string.
Our community has a rope dyed red, which is used in
many community rituals. You can also sprinkle herbs on the outside.
of the circle
As you enter the sacred space, purify your minds and hearts from the
concerned. You can spray everyone with water or throw flower petals.
on all, or smear, whatever seems to you like dropping the
mundane. Blurring symbolizes clearing negative energy and
preparing for the sacred ritual. You can buy stain sticks in most foods.
cooperatives, health food stores, or herb stores. Or pick some herbs
from your garden, wrap cotton string around them to form a “stick” a few
inches long and one to three inches in diameter. Hang the herb branch
a warm, dry place for two to four weeks. In your ritual, light the stick, leave it
it burns for a few seconds and then turns it off. It will continue to smoke.
They then “dirty” each other or themselves by letting the smoke drift.
around the body
The Blessing of the Woman: In your ritual, have ready a plate of clean sand or
cornmeal. (I use a large clay pot base and fill it with sand.)
the new woman to step on the plate of sand or cornmeal, leaving her
footprints (Have a towel to wipe your skin with afterwards.)
Each woman comes forward, lights a candle and places it in the
footprints in the sand or cornmeal, representing the new woman
journey on Mother Earth. Each woman then gives her woman
blessings, such as: “I am Marie, sister of Georgia Ann, daughter of Selia,
granddaughter of Mary Ann and Christina, mother of Christina and
Elizabeth, grandmother of Erika, Clara and Savannah Rose. I ask everything
the women of my lineage to bless, teach and protect (Name of the new woman)
on her journey through all the cycles of Grandmother Moon.
After each woman has done her blessings, the new woman lights a
candle and puts it in the same plate of sand. she gives her woman
presentation, and accept the blessings of all women. “I
I am……, daughter of……., granddaughter of……. I accept your blessings,
and thank you all
The new woman must be adorned in some way. I suggest decorating
her hands with henna. Henna is an herb that dyes the skin an orange-red.
color that turns brown the next day. Henna kits are available in natural
grocery stores or online. Flower crowns or garlands are also
beautifull. After the adornment, gifts can be given that have some
significance in its wake. Red jewelry is traditional. red underpants
They are useful! Each gift is given with some ritual words like, “I am giving
this book about the life of …………. because I have always found his life
be an inspiration. I know you will find your own way in life and you will be a
equal inspiration to all of us.”
You can sing songs, recite poems, tell stories. continue with some
symbolic passing ceremony. Women have invented a variety of ways
to create a ritual of passage for their daughters to enter puberty. Tea
women can stand in two rows with their arms raised, forming an arc.
The new woman is at the entrance to the arch. she has a few
toys that represent their childhood. They have asked him to bring the toys.
to the ritual to be delivered to the smallest children of the community.
However, you are not required to bring all your toys, or your favorite toys,
because aspects of the child remain within all of us and continue to be
treasured throughout our lives.
The young woman’s grandmother directs the ritual of passage. if she
the grandmother is not present, then a grandmother figure can be chosen
to represent her. The grandmother asks: “Who is coming to this
passage?” The new woman gives her name. The grandmother continues: ”
(“New female name,) it’s time you left your childhood behind
and become a member of the women’s circle. when you’re ready to
do it, leave your toys behind and walk through the arch.” The new
the woman puts down her toys and walks through the arch. how she comes to
At the end of the arch, the women ring bells, throw flower petals and
happiness. They all kiss and hug the new woman.
Closing prayers and/or songs end the ritual.
After the ritual, the men of the family and the girls who have not yet
started menstruation are invited to congratulate the new woman and
gifts. Everyone joins in food and friendship.