Contact with [menstrual blood] turns new wine sour, crops…
![“Contact with [menstrual blood] turns new wine sour, crops touched by it become barren, grafts die, seed in gardens are dried up, the fruit of trees fall off, the edge of steel and the gleam of ivory are dulled, hives of bees die, even bronze and iron are at once seized by rust, and a horrible…” quote by Pliny the Elder](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/8f7/pliny-the-elder-2838_air_contact-with-menstrual-blood-turns-new-w_1631587.jpg)
“Contact with [menstrual blood] turns new wine sour, crops touched by it become barren, grafts die, seed in gardens are dried up, the fruit of trees fall off, the edge of steel and the gleam of ivory are dulled, hives of bees die, even bronze and iron are at once seized by rust, and a horrible smell fills the air; to taste it drives dogs mad and infects their bites with an incurable poison.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Menstrual blood is portrayed as a potent contaminant that corrupts and destroys living and in materials, reflecting ancient taboos about purity and pollution.
In simple terms: Blood is seen as a dangerous contaminant.
Key Takeaway
Avoid contact with menstrual blood according to belief.
Themes
purity
taboo
contamination
ancient beliefs
Mood
anxious
disgusted
curious
Type
cautionary
mythical
When to use this quote
- agricultural practices
- metalworking
- beekeeping
- food preparation
- medical treatment
Key Concepts
cultural superstition
hygiene
ritual pollution
Questions to Reflect On
- How do cultural taboos shape health practices?
- What are the consequences of stigmatizing natural bodily fluids?
A Different Perspective
Modern science shows no such effects; fear may stem from misunderstanding.