'Period' comes from the Greek words 'peri' and 'hodos' (periodos) meaning 'around' and 'way/path'. This eventually turned into the Latin 'periodus' meaning 'recurring cycle'. The English term 'period' to describe menstruation began in the early 1800s.Other symbols and terms to describe menstruation are seen in texts from thousands of years ago. Even then they were considered 'profane' (i.e. taboo/inappropriate).
'Period' comes from the Greek words peri' and 'hodos' (periodos) meaning 'around' and 'way/path'. This eventually turned into the Latin 'periodus' meaning 'recurring cycle'. The English term 'period' to describe menstruation began in the early 1800s.These euphemisms are found in texts spanning millennia. In seventeenth century, private journals of both men and women, menstruation is described as 'them' and 'those'. The symbol of the menstruating woman ('Eve’s curse') was widely used to define profanity. With the decline of what anthropologist’s call 'magical thinking', medical writers used clinical terms (menses, catamenia) in parallel with terms like “monthly excavation” and 'natural purgations'. Lay people used euphemisms almost exclusively.
Explore Category
-
All articles
-
August Updates
-
First Period
-
Gender Inclusivity
-
Inclusivity
-
Menopause
-
Menstrual News
- See AlsoWhen Do Girls Stop Growing?Do Cis Men Have Periods? The Truth About Irritable Male SyndromeYour First PeriodMen Explain Periods to Me | Los Angeles Review of Books
Period Disorders
-
Products
-
Reproductive Health
-
Sustainability
-
Symptoms
Other articles you’ll love
-
Is it true that my menstrual cycle can sync wit...
Don't worry, if you're not a menstruator, or you're a first time menstruator, this is a valid question. But for those of you who have been menstruating, and talking about it, for a while now, you'l...
Is it true that my menstrual cycle can sync wit...
Don't worry, if you're not a menstruator, or you're a first time menstruator, this is a valid question. But for those of you who have been menstruating, and talking about it, for a while now, you'l...
-
Can I swim when I am on my period?
You can totally swim on your period!It's good exercise and may even relieve cramps.Tampons are a great period product to wear while swimming, or spending all day at the beach! You might have a ...
Can I swim when I am on my period?
You can totally swim on your period!It's good exercise and may even relieve cramps.Tampons are a great period product to wear while swimming, or spending all day at the beach! You might have a ...
-
Can I use a menstrual cup if I just started men...
Menstrual cups are safe to use even if you have just started menstruating. If you try it and it feels uncomfortable, you can also try other sustainable options like August's organic cotton pads and...
Can I use a menstrual cup if I just started men...
Menstrual cups are safe to use even if you have just started menstruating. If you try it and it feels uncomfortable, you can also try other sustainable options like August's organic cotton pads and...
1 / of 3
