The association between the moon and femininity in world mythologies is deeply rooted in the perceived parallel between the lunar cycle and the menstrual cycle. The moon completes its phases in about 29.5 days, which closely mirrors the average length of a menstrual cycle—about 28 days. This numerical similarity has inspired cultures across the globe to link the moon with the rhythms of women’s bodies, fertility, and cyclical renewal[1][2][3][4].
Cultural and Mythological Significance
- Symbolic Parallels: The waxing and waning of the moon have been seen as metaphors for the phases of the menstrual cycle—growth, fullness, decline, and renewal. This cyclical nature has made the moon a universal symbol of femininity, intuition, fertility, and creation[5][6][2].
- Linguistic Roots: Even the words "menstruation" and "menses" derive from Latin and Greek words for "month" and "moon" (mensis and mene), reflecting this ancient connection[3][7].
- Rituals and Beliefs: Many societies, such as the Celts, Mayans, and various Indigenous cultures, have rituals and stories that honor this connection. For example, some Native American tribes refer to menstruation as "moon time," and women would gather in moon lodges to honor their cycle in harmony with the lunar phases[1].
Gendered Personification
Because of this perceived synchronicity, the moon is often personified as female in myths—goddesses like Selene and Artemis in Greek mythology, Mama Quilla in Incan tradition, and numerous others across cultures[7][2][6]. These deities embody not just the moon’s light, but also its association with fertility, protection, and the mysteries of life and womanhood.
Scientific Perspective
While the symbolic and cultural association is strong, scientific studies have found no consistent physiological link between the lunar phases and the timing of menstruation. The similarity in cycle length appears to be coincidental, and large-scale data analyses show that menstrual cycles do not universally sync with the moon[3][2]. Nonetheless, the cultural resonance remains powerful and meaningful for many people.
Broader Implications
This association has shaped not only mythologies but also societal views of gender, with the moon’s cyclical, nurturing qualities being mapped onto women, and the sun’s constancy and strength often mapped onto men[8]. These representations have influenced gender roles and symbolism in many cultures.
In summary:
The moon’s menstrual cycle association plays a central role in its frequent gendering as female in world mythologies, rooted in the parallel between lunar and menstrual cycles. This connection has inspired rich symbolic, linguistic, and ritual traditions, even though scientific evidence for a direct physiological link is lacking[1][6][2][3][7][4].
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- https://themetawarrior.substack.com/p/the-dance-between-science-and-culture
- https://thisisgendered.org/entry/moon/
- https://helloclue.com/articles/cycle-a-z/myth-moon-phases-menstruation
- https://exploringyourmind.com/women-and-moon-female-cycle/
- https://www.goddesswomenapp.com/blog/the-mystical-dance-exploring-the-timeless-connection-between-the-moon-and-women/
- https://www.feministart.ca/learn-more/moon-symbolism
- https://smoon-lingerie.com/en-lu/blogs/culture-education/la-lune-et-le-cycle-menstruel-nbsp-on-vous-dit-tout-nbsp
- https://www.menstrual-matters.com/over-the-moon-2/
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