‘The Curse’ explores bizarre menstruation myths by synthesizing these beliefs with creatures from folklore in order to emphasize the absurd and harmful nature of menstrual taboo.
According to a medieval myth, wearing a pouch of burnt toad remains around your neck could prevent a heavy flow. Toads were often thought to be the companions and familiars of witches.
It is still a widely held misconception that a woman’s menstrual cycle is naturally synced up with the phases of the moon. Similarly, a lycanthrope is a creature that transforms into a wolf during a full moon.
In Malaysia, it is believed if you do not wash your sanitary pads before disposing of them, you will be haunted by ghosts and pursued by creatures.
A Roman philosopher thought that a menstruating woman ‘dims the bright surface of mirrors.’ Similarly, the vampire is a creature that is known for not having a reflection.
A Roman philosopher thought that a woman could control the weather during her period. In Roman mythology, the harpy was a half-woman half-bird creature who was thought to be the personification of storm winds.
In various parts of the world, it is still believed that having a sex with a menstruating woman can kill you. A succubus is a demon in female-form who seduces men and draws energy from them until they die.
In the early twentieth century, scientists believed women on their periods emitted a substance called ‘menotoxin,’ which could make people sick. The gorgon, ‘Medusa,’ was a mythological monster who could petrify people with her gaze.
Negative stereotypes and myths pertaining to women and menstruation are often intertwined and based on one another.
