7 Strangest Rituals of Women in the World, One of Them Is in Indonesia
Sabtu, 20 Maret 2021
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There are various things that women do, whether forced or not, to fulfill certain goals. For example, by women in different parts of the world who are forced to go through strange and unique and often painful rituals to achieve standards of beauty in society.
Some examples include the ritual of small shoes that once existed in China, in order to get the 'Lotus Feet' that were once considered charming. There are also neck ring rituals used by women from Kayan Tribe, Thailand, Chapadi rituals in Nepal that alienate women every menstruation, as well as forced eating rituals in Mauritania, Africa, in order for women to have fatter bodies.
Not infrequently, these rituals cause physical wounds as well as pain in women. However, some rituals are still performed because it is considered a tradition in the community concerned.
Table of Contents
- Lotus Feet - China
- Ikipalin - West Papua
- Chaupadi - Nepal
- Breast Ironing - West Africa
- Neck Ring - Thailand
- Lip Plate - Ethiopia
- Forced Eating - Mauritania
Learn more, here are some unique rituals performed by women from different parts of the world.
7 Strangest Rituals of Women in the World, One of Them Is in Indonesia
1. Lotus Feet - China
Hundreds of years ago, there was a ritual to be performed by women in China. Women are forced to wear shoes that are very small and taper-tipped, in order to get the desired shape of the foot or 'Lotus Feet'. In the past, this type of leg was considered the standard of beauty coveted in China.
The ritual was later banned by Mao Zedong, china's communist leader and founder of the People's Republic of China in 1950, because it was deemed incompatible with modern life in China. However, some women who are forced to undergo the beauty ritual are still alive with Lotus Feet to this day.
2. Ikipalin - West Papua
According to news.com.au, the women from Dani Tribe, West Papua, Indonesia, have a ritual called Ikipalin. Following this ritual, they will cut off the top of each other's fingers.
This is done to expel the spirits of the dead, as well as to show the sorrow of mourning. This ritual called Ikipalin was banned by the government several years ago. However, some people are suspected of still carrying out such practices to this day.
3. Chaupadi - Nepal
Meanwhile, in Nepal, there is a ritual performed when women are menstruating. According to National Geographic, women from some parts of rural Nepal will be exiled from their homes, every menstrual cycle arrives.
Not without reason, because they are considered unclean, should not be held, can even bring disaster. As a result, these women will also live in huts or in secluded places.
Not infrequently, women suffer from such seclusion. For example, due to experiencing overheating weather, smoke poisoning in winter, even being raped while in exile.
4. Breast Ironing - West Africa
There is one ritual performed by women in West Africa, namely 'breast ironing' or breast ironing. According to The Guardian, this is done by mothers to their children, in an effort to protect their child from unwanted attention, sexual abuse, even rape
According to Quartz Africa, this practice is done using certain tools, to massage, tap, even press the chest until smooth. However, this ritual received criticism from various parties.
Health experts and victims say the ritual is torture of children that can cause physical and psychological injuries. Among other things, by causing infection, damage to the breast, even breast cancer.
5. Neck Ring - Thailand
You're probably quite familiar with this one ritual. Kayan women living in Mae Hong Son area, Thailand, are known for their neck ring rituals from an early age.
According to The Sun's report, the women began using the metal ring from the age of five. They are not forbidden to remove the ring, but it is considered a symbol of beauty in the area, which has a slim and long neck.
6. Lip Plate - Ethiopia
In the Huffpost report, it is mentioned that women from the Mursi and Surma tribes in Ethiopia will put wooden plates or clay on their lips. This is done to show their beauty and status. Usually, these plates are first attached to the lips of females after they go through puberty.
The trick is to perforate part of the lips, accompanied by the removal of some lower teeth. Over time, the plate inserted into the lips will get larger, even up to more than 12 cm. It is said that the bigger the plate, the greater the dowry obtained by women at their marriage.
7. Forced Eating - Mauritania
While in Mauritania, North Africa, there is a ritual called leblouh or gavage that forces young women to eat. The goal is to attract the attention of men, because obesity in women is considered attractive in areas often hit by drought.
According to the report, women even six years old will be forced to drink up to 20 liters of milk, two cups of butter, as well as at least two kg of millet (a type of cereal) each school holiday.
This is done so that they can reach the quota of 16,000 calories per day. They will be forced to consume all food and will be punished if they fail to do so.