Around The World In 28 Periods

Ever wondered how different cultures celebrate the arrival of the first period? Well, for the fourth Menstrual Hygiene Day, celebrated on May 28, we went around the world to find out…

- Amy Nelmes

AUSTRALIA

Awkward convo with mum and then handed a pack of U By Kotex.

SOUTH INDIA

Party time with the family to mark the move into womanhood.

NORTH INDIA

No party in the north, but warned to stay out of the kitchen as food will turn bad.

MALAWI

Confined to the home for a week and all men and children are banned.

Italy

EVERYONE WITH BLOOD TIES IS NOTIFIED THAT A FAMILY MEMBER HAS BECOME A ‘SIGNORINA’.

ZIMBABWE

The aunt takes on the duty of talking about periods in a private meeting.

TURKEY

A swift slap across the face by an elder to treat the shock!

JAPAN

A rice dish is served at dinner but no one actually verbalises why.