Abstract

The study is an application of my own theory, called "metaformic theory" which postulates that human culture evolved from the connection between the lunar cycle and the menstrual cycle. This theory is articulated in my book Blood, Bread, and Roses: How Menstruation Created the World . ;While worldwide menarche rites among indigenous peoples have largely disappeared in the past decades, a few groups in South India continue to celebrate menstruation. The state of Kerala on the southwest coast has powerful goddess traditions and continuing menstrual customs despite modernization. Living in neighborhoods in Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala for four and a half months of fieldwork, I interviewed women and filmed devi rituals in several parts of the state. The study compares contemporary menarchal customs, and more especially those from prior to the twentieth century, with rites of goddess Bhagavati, Bhadrakali, Mariamma and others. ;The correlations I found affirm that goddess traditions appear to be rooted in the menarche celebrations of Kerala's diverse communities. Also, certain powerful rites that connect devotees with forces of nature can be interpreted as using metaphors derived from and related to, menstrual rituals. The study deepens my theory, especially with new understanding of shakti, and reinforces crediting women's cultural contributions as well as making connections between women's and men's rituals. The study critiques some of Darwin's ideas, and the work of Marija Gimbutas, and supports earlier work of Indian women, such as Pupul Jayakar. Additionally, the application opens my metaformic theory out to possible explanations of differences among people, and ideas furthering cross-cultural understandings