How women are reinterpreting the menstrual taboos in Chinese Buddhism

In some cultures, menstruation and childbirth are treated as polluting, not life-giving. One Buddhist text’s interpretation of ‘Blood Pond Hell’ shows how far such beliefs go – and how women respond.

By: Megan Bryson, University of Tennessee, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 5, 2026

Words: 1,382

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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By Megan Bryson, University of Tennessee

In many religions and cultures, women who are menstruating or who just gave birth are not allowed to enter sacred sites, such as temples, or participate in religious rituals. This is because they are often seen as ritually impure.

Early Christians cited menstruation as the reason for not allowing female deacons or priests. Modern Catholic teachings do not express this attitude directly, but some Catholic feminists argue …

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