Superstitions are part of our culture and history.  Our beliefs are derived from the influences of what our customs, traditions and culture have dictated to explain certain phenomena or to put a scare in people.  Some superstitions are practiced primarily because Filipinos believe that there is nothing to lose if they will comply with these beliefs.

 

        My mini thesis on the history of womanhood in the Philippines will not be complete without a discussion on our superstitions pertaining exclusively to women.  

 

      The superstition that first came to mind, and which I can very well relate to, is the superstition that wiping the face with blood-soiled underwear, especially blood from the very first menstruation, prevents pimples.

 

          In modern times, the practice is not only viewed as something that is very gross and unsanitary.  We now know very well that the practice is not only bereft of scientific basis, but is also contrary to evidence.  The facial mask does not guarantee an unblemished facial skin.

 

    Our generation has heard of the practice. But surprisingly (or expectedly), there is hardly any research material on this practice.  Menstruation was not discussed out in the open, much more the practice of wiping one’s face with blood-soiled underwear.  While it was widely practiced, it was nevertheless, considered a taboo.

 

          I can only guess that the practice evolved because our ancestors must have thought that menstrual blood possesses powerful medicinal qualities.  The apron worn by a young girl during her first menstrual period was then highly coveted by relatives who were anxious to wear it themselves, certain it would ensure good health.  Other primitive tribes believed merely touching a drop of the menstrual blood could relieve severe pain and bring about success and wealth.

 

         Modern science may have discovered that “endometrial regenerative cells” abound in period blood.  But aside from the life saving medical advances these cells could bring, could these cells also make one’s facial skin pimple-free?  To date, there is no concrete scientific research to prove this to be true.