124-587: The Mid-Autumn Festival (for other names, see § Etymology ) is a harvest festival celebrated in Chinese culture . It is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar with a full moon at night, corresponding to mid-September to early October of the Gregorian calendar . On this day, the Chinese believe that the moon is at its brightest and fullest size, coinciding with harvest time in
248-518: A median length of 28 days. Menarche (the onset of the first period) usually occurs around the age of 12 years; menstrual cycles continue for about 30–45 years. Although a normal and natural process, some women experience premenstrual syndrome with symptoms that may include acne , tender breasts , and tiredness . More severe symptoms that affect daily living are classed as premenstrual dysphoric disorder and are experienced by 3 to 8% of women. Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps or period pain)
372-422: A period , among other colloquial terms) is the regular discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina . The menstrual cycle is characterized by the rise and fall of hormones . Menstruation is triggered by falling progesterone levels, and is a sign that pregnancy has not occurred. The first period, a point in time known as menarche , usually begins between
496-433: A Sunday, then Monday is also a holiday), because many celebration events are held at night. Many businesses let employees off early on the day before. There are a number of festive activities such as lighting lanterns, but mooncakes are the most important feature there. However, people don't usually buy mooncakes for themselves, but to give their relatives as presents. People start to exchange these presents well in advance of
620-612: A decreased understanding of why menstruation occurs and the associated physiological changes that take place. This has been shown to cause the development of a negative attitude towards menstruation. In some cultures, women were isolated during menstruation due to menstrual taboos . This is because they are seen as unclean, dangerous, or bringing bad luck to those who encounter them. These practices are common in parts of South Asia including India. A 1983 report found women refraining from household chore during this period in India. Chhaupadi
744-409: A degree that interferes with normal life. Emotional symptoms must not be present during the initial part of the menstrual cycle . A daily list of symptoms over a few months may help in diagnosis. Other disorders that cause similar symptoms need to be excluded before a diagnosis is made. The cause of PMS is unknown, but the underlying mechanism is believed to involve changes in hormone levels during
868-425: A feeling that it was bad luck to be the person to cut the last stand of corn. The farmer and his workers would race against the harvesters on other farms to be first to complete the harvest, shouting to announce they had finished. In some counties, the last stand of corn would be cut by the workers throwing their sickles at it until it was all down, in others the reapers would take it in turns to be blindfolded and sweep
992-465: A full Chinese lunisolar year. The spectacle of making very large mooncakes continues in modern China. According to Chinese folklore, a Turpan businessman offered cakes to Emperor Taizong of Tang in his victory against the Xiongnu on the fifteenth day of the eighth Chinese lunisolar month. Taizong took the round cakes and pointed to the moon with a smile, saying, "I'd like to invite the toad to enjoy
1116-536: A full moon are also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Like the Mid-Autumn Festival, these festivals have Buddhist origins and revolve around the full moon. However, unlike their East Asian counterparts they occur several times a year to correspond with each full moon as opposed to one day each year. The festivals that occur in the lunar months of Ashvini and Kṛttikā generally occur during
1240-465: A greater variety of lanterns could be found as local cultures became influenced by their neighbors. As China gradually evolved from an agrarian society to a mixed agrarian-commercial one, traditions from other festivals began to be transmitted into the Mid-Autumn Festival, such as the putting of lanterns on rivers to guide the spirits of the drowned as practiced during the Ghost Festival , which
1364-558: A harvest festival and thanksgiving, marking the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvest. It is a time of gratitude and celebration within the community. Harvest festivals in Asia include the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節), one of the most widely spread harvest festivals in the world. In Iran Mehrgan was celebrated in an extravagant style at Persepolis. Not only was it the time for harvest, but it
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#17328018723201488-400: A low body weight. A pelvic exam and ultrasound in individuals who are sexually active may be useful for diagnosis. Conditions that should be ruled out include ectopic pregnancy , pelvic inflammatory disease , interstitial cystitis and chronic pelvic pain . Dysmenorrhea occurs less often in those who exercise regularly and those who have children early in life. Treatment may include
1612-443: A monthly menstrual period is 35 millilitres (2.4 US tbsp) with 10–80 millilitres (0.68–5.41 US tbsp) considered typical. Menstrual fluid is the correct name for the flow, although many people prefer to refer to it as menstrual blood. Menstrual fluid is reddish-brown, a slightly darker color than venous blood. About half of menstrual fluid is blood. This blood contains sodium, calcium, phosphate, iron, and chloride,
1736-474: A normal discomfort of the menstrual cycle, these symptoms must interfere with daily living, during two menstrual cycles of prospective recording. PMS-related symptoms are often present for about six days. An individual's pattern of symptoms may change over time. PMS does not produce symptoms during pregnancy or following menopause . Diagnosis requires a consistent pattern of emotional and physical symptoms occurring after ovulation and before menstruation to
1860-847: A person's performance at work, school, and in everyday activities in a small percentage of women. When severe pelvic pain and bleeding suddenly occur or worsen during a cycle, this could be due to ectopic pregnancy and spontaneous abortion . This is checked by using a pregnancy test, ideally as soon as unusual pain begins, because ectopic pregnancies can be life‑threatening. The most common treatment for menstrual cramps are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs can be used to reduce moderate to severe pain, and all appear similar. About 1 in 5 women do not respond to NSAIDs and require alternative therapy, such as simple analgesics or heat pads. Other medications for pain management include aspirin or paracetamol and combined oral contraceptives. Although combined oral contraceptives may be used, there
1984-537: A quiet place to open their hearts to each other. During the 1920s and 1930s, ethnographer Chao Wei-pang conducted research on traditional games among men, women and children on or around the Mid-Autumn day in the Guangdong Province. These games relate to flights of the soul, spirit possession, or fortunetelling. A unique tradition is celebrated quite exclusively in the island city of Xiamen . During
2108-427: A relatively increased interest in sexual activity, and relatively lower interest directly prior to and during menstruation. Unlike other mammals, women may show interest in sexual activity across all days of the menstrual cycle, regardless of fertility. There is no reliable scientific evidence that would advise against sexual intercourse during menstruation based on medical grounds. Peak fertility (the time with
2232-465: A rich pastry typically filled with sweet-bean, egg yolk, meat or lotus-seed paste, are traditionally eaten during this festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival is based on the legend of Chang'e , the Moon goddess in Chinese mythology . The festival is so-named as it is held around the autumn equinox on the 15th of the 8th lunisolar month in the Chinese calendar . Its name varies among Sinitic languages , with
2356-403: A scene which demonstrates several of these features. There is a character personifying harvest who comes on stage attended by men dressed as reapers; he refers to himself as their "master" and ends the scene by begging the audience for a "largesse". The scene is inspired by contemporary harvest celebrations, and singing and drinking feature largely. The stage instruction reads: "Enter Harvest with
2480-609: A scythe on his neck, and all his reapers with sickles, and a great black bowl with a posset in it borne before him: they come in singing." The song which follows may be an actual harvest song or a creation of the author's intended to represent a typical harvest song of the time: Merry, merry, merry, cheery, cheery, cheery, Trowel the black bowl to me; Hey derry, derry, with a pop and a lorry, I'll throw it again to thee; Hooky, hooky, we have shorn, And we have bound, And we have brought Harvest Townhome. The shout of "hooky, hooky" appears to be one traditionally associated with
2604-771: A scythe to and fro until all of the Mell was cut down. Some churches and villages still have a Harvest Supper. The modern British tradition of celebrating the Harvest Festival in churches began in 1843, when the Reverend Robert Hawker invited parishioners to a special thanksgiving service at his church at Morwenstow in Cornwall . Victorian hymns such as Come, ye thankful people, come and All things bright and beautiful but also Dutch and German harvest hymns in translation (for example, We plough
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#17328018723202728-421: A struggle. Development and Relief organizations often produce resources for use in churches at harvest time which promote their own concerns for those in need across the globe. In the early days, there were ceremonies and rituals at the beginning as well as at the end of the harvest. Encyclopædia Britannica traces the origins to "the animistic belief in the corn [grain] spirit or corn mother." In some regions
2852-419: A woman's reproductive years. The term for painful periods is dysmenorrhea . There is a wide spectrum of differences in how women experience menstruation. There are several ways that someone's menstrual cycle can differ from the norm: Extreme psychological stress can also result in periods stopping. More severe symptoms of anxiety or depression may be signs of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) which
2976-535: A written collection of rituals of the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BCE). As for the royal court, it was dedicated to the goddess Taiyinxingjun ( 太陰星君 ; Tàiyīn xīng jūn ). This is still true for Taoism and Chinese folk religion . The celebration as a festival only started to gain popularity during the early Tang dynasty (618–907 CE). One legend explains that Emperor Xuanzong of Tang started to hold formal celebrations in his palace after having explored
3100-426: Is a depressive disorder. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is a hormonally caused bleeding abnormality. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding typically occurs in premenopausal women who do not ovulate normally (i.e. are anovulatory ). All these bleeding abnormalities need medical attention; they may indicate hormone imbalances, uterine fibroids, or other problems. As pregnant women may bleed, a pregnancy test forms part of
3224-538: Is a disruptive set of emotional and physical symptoms that regularly occur in the one to two weeks before the start of each menstrual period. Symptoms resolve around the time menstrual bleeding begins. Symptoms vary, though commonly include one or more physical, emotional, or behavioral symptoms, that resolve with menses. The range of symptoms is wide, and most commonly are breast tenderness , bloating , headache , mood swings , depression , anxiety , anger , and irritability . To be diagnosed as PMS, rather than
3348-754: Is a major harvest festival and a three-day holiday in North Korea and South Korea celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar on the full moon. It was celebrated as far back as during the Three Kingdoms period in Silla. As a celebration of the good harvest, Koreans visit their ancestral hometowns, honor their ancestors in a family ceremony (차례), and share a feast of Korean traditional food such as songpyeon ( 송편 ), tohrangook ( 토란국 ), and rice wines such as sindoju and dongdongju . Many festivals revolving around
3472-440: Is a public holiday. Outdoor barbecues have become a popular affair for friends and family to gather and enjoy each other's company. Children also make and wear hats made of pomelo rinds. It is believed Chang'e, the lady in the moon, will notice children with her favorite fruit and bestow good fortune upon them. Similar traditions are found in other parts of Asia and also revolve around the full moon. These festivals tend to occur on
3596-710: Is a social practice that occurs in the western part of Nepal for Hindu women, which prohibits a woman from participating in everyday activities during menstruation. Women are considered impure during this time and are kept out of the house and have to live in a shed. Although chhaupadi was outlawed by the Supreme Court of Nepal in 2005, the tradition is slow to change. Women and girls in cultures which practice such seclusion are often confined to menstruation huts , which are places of isolation used by cultures with strong menstrual taboos . The practice has recently come under fire due to related fatalities. Nepal criminalized
3720-620: Is also used. Many religions have menstruation-related traditions, for example: Islam prohibits sexual contact with women during menstruation in the 2nd chapter of the Quran . Some scholars argue that menstruating women are in a state in which they are unable to maintain wudhu , and are therefore prohibited from touching the Arabic version of the Qur'an. Other biological and involuntary functions such as vomiting, bleeding, sexual intercourse, and going to
3844-696: Is an annual celebration that occurs around the time of the main harvest of a given region. Given the differences in climate and crops around the world, harvest festivals can be found at various times at different places. Harvest festivals typically feature feasting, both family and public, with foods that are drawn from crops. In Britain , thanks have been given for successful harvests since pagan times . Harvest festivals are held in September or October depending on local tradition. The modern Harvest Festival celebrations include singing hymns , praying , and decorating churches with baskets of fruit and food in
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3968-511: Is called hypomenorrhea . Regular cycles with intervals of 21 days or fewer are polymenorrhea ; frequent but irregular menstruation is known as metrorrhagia . Sudden heavy flows or amounts greater than 80 ml are termed menorrhagia . Heavy menstruation that occurs frequently and irregularly is menometrorrhagia . The term for cycles with intervals exceeding 35 days is oligomenorrhea . Amenorrhea refers to more than three to six months without menses (while not being pregnant) during
4092-523: Is etymologically related to moon . The terms menstruation and menses are derived from the Latin mensis ' month ' , which in turn relates to the ancient Greek mene ' moon ' and to the roots of the English words month and moon . Some organizations have begun to use the term "menstruator" instead of "menstruating women", a term that has been in use since at least 2010. Menstruator
4216-407: Is felt as painful cramps in the abdomen that can spread to the back and upper thighs during the first few days of menstruation. Debilitating period pain is not normal and can be a sign of something severe such as endometriosis . These issues can significantly affect a woman's health and quality of life and timely interventions can improve the lives of these women. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
4340-486: Is insufficient evidence for the efficacy of intrauterine progestogens. One review found tentative evidence that acupuncture may be useful, at least in the short term. Another review found insufficient evidence to determine an effect. Known interactions between the menstrual cycle and certain health conditions include: Sexual feelings and behaviors change during the menstrual cycle. Before and during ovulation, high levels of estrogen and androgens result in women having
4464-548: Is more likely when suckling occurs more frequently. The production of prolactin in response to suckling is important to maintaining lactational amenorrhea. On average, women who are fully breastfeeding whose infants suckle frequently experience a return of menstruation at fourteen and a half months postpartum. There is a wide range of response among individual breastfeeding women, however, with some experiencing return of menstruation at two months and others remaining amenorrheic for up to 42 months postpartum. The word menstruation
4588-543: Is observed a month before. Hong Kong fishermen during the Qing dynasty , for example, would put up lanterns on their boats for the Ghost Festival and keep the lanterns up until Mid-Autumn Festival. Making and sharing mooncakes is one of the hallmark traditions of this festival. In Chinese culture, a round shape symbolizes completeness and reunion. Thus, the sharing and eating of round mooncakes among family members during
4712-430: Is relatively small for most women. In one study, premenopausal women who exhibited symptoms of iron deficiency were given endoscopies . 86% of them actually had gastrointestinal disease and were at risk of being misdiagnosed simply because they were menstruating. Heavy menstrual bleeding, occurring monthly, can result in anemia . The menstrual cycle is a series of natural changes in hormone production and
4836-484: Is spelled variously) became the accepted name of the actual festival itself: "Hockey is brought Home with hallowing Boys with plum-cake The Cart following". Another widespread tradition was the distribution of a special cake to the celebrating farmworkers. A prose work of 1613 refers to the practice as predating the Reformation. Describing the character of a typical farmer, it says: "Rocke Munday..Christmas Eve,
4960-426: Is used by activists and scholars in order to "express solidarity with women who do not menstruate, transgender men who do, and intersexual and genderqueer individuals". The term can be contentious between different schools of feminist thought; however, the majority of feminist scholars consider the term to correctly reflect the reality that people of different genders menstruate. The term "people who menstruate"
5084-427: The combined birth control pill , it is also possible for a woman to delay or eliminate menstrual periods, a practice called menstrual suppression . Some women do this simply for convenience in the short-term, while others prefer to eliminate periods altogether when possible. This can be done either by skipping the placebo pills, or using an extended cycle combined oral contraceptive pill , which were first marketed in
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5208-469: The developed world . The average age of menarche has changed little in the United States since the 1950s. Menstruation is the most visible phase of the menstrual cycle and its beginning is used as the marker between cycles. The first day of menstrual bleeding is the date used for the last menstrual period (LMP). The typical length of time between the first day of one period and the first day of
5332-524: The diuretic spironolactone may be useful. Over 90% of women report having some premenstrual symptoms, such as bloating, headaches, and moodiness. Premenstrual symptoms generally do not cause substantial disruption, and qualify as PMS in approximately 20% of pre-menopausal women. Antidepressants of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) class may be used to treat the emotional symptoms of PMS. In most women, various physical changes are brought about by fluctuations in hormone levels during
5456-530: The hú (胡) cake." After sharing the cakes with his ministers, the custom of eating these hú cakes spread throughout the country. Eventually these became known as mooncakes . Although the legend explains the beginnings of mooncake-giving, its popularity and ties to the festival began during the Song dynasty (906–1279 CE). Another popular legend concerns the Han Chinese's uprising against the ruling Mongols at
5580-453: The lunar cycle , in modern humans there is no relation between the two. The relationship is believed to be a coincidence. Light exposure does not appear to affect the menstrual cycle in humans. A meta-analysis of studies from 1996 showed no correlation between the human menstrual cycle and the lunar cycle, nor did data analyzed by period-tracking app Clue, submitted by 1.5 million women, of 7.5 million menstrual cycles; however,
5704-419: The 20th century, most farmers celebrated the end of the harvest with a big meal called the harvest supper, to which all who had helped in the harvest were invited. It was sometimes known as a "Mell-supper", after the last patch of corn or wheat standing in the fields which were known as the "Mell" or "Neck". Cutting it signified the end of the work of harvest and the beginning of the feast. There seems to have been
5828-418: The Chinese lunisolar calendar, when Yi went hunting, Peng Meng broke into Yi's house and forced Chang'e to give the elixir to him. Chang'e refused to do so. Instead, she swallowed it and flew into the sky. Since she loved her husband and hoped to live nearby, she chose the moon for her residence. When Yi came back and learned what had happened, he felt so sad that he displayed the fruits and cakes Chang'e liked in
5952-525: The Mid-Autumn Festival. In Cambodia , it is more commonly called "The Water and Moon Festival" Bon Om Touk . The Water and Moon festival is celebrated in November of every year. It is a three-day celebration, starting with the boat race that last the first two days of the festival. The boat races are colorfully painted with bright colors and is in various designs being most popular the neak, Cambodian sea dragon. Hundreds of Cambodian males take part in rowing
6076-450: The Moon and water, and connected this concept to menstruation , calling it "monthly water". The Zhuang people , for example, have an ancient fable saying the Sun and Moon are a couple and the stars are their children, and when the Moon is pregnant, it becomes round, and then becomes crescent after giving birth to a child. These beliefs made it popular among women to worship and give offerings to
6200-399: The Moon on this evening. In some areas of China, there are still customs in which the "men do not worship the moon and the women do not offer sacrifices to the kitchen gods." In China, the Mid-Autumn Festival symbolizes the family reunion and on this day, all families will appreciate the Moon in the evening, because it is the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar, when
6324-544: The Moon with it, leaving him stranded there. Every year, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, children light lanterns and participate in a procession to show Cuội the way back to Earth. The other tale involves a carp who wanted to become a dragon, and as a result, worked hard throughout the year until he was able to transform himself into a dragon. One important event before and during the festival are lion dances . Dances are performed by both non-professional children's groups and trained professional groups. Lion dance groups perform on
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#17328018723206448-638: The Moon-Palace. By the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Mid-Autumn Festival had become one of the main folk festivals in China. The Empress Dowager Cixi (late 19th century) enjoyed celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival so much that she would spend the period between the thirteenth and seventeenth day of the eighth month staging elaborate rituals. An important part of the festival celebration is Moon worship. The ancient Chinese believed in rejuvenation being associated with
6572-463: The Moon. Cambodians believe the legend of The Rabbit and the Moon, and that a rabbit who lives on the Moon watches over the Cambodian people. At midnight everyone goes up to the temple to pray and make wishes and enjoy their Ak Ambok together. Cambodians would also make homemade lanterns that are usually made into the shape of the lotus flowers or other more modern designs. Incense and candles light up
6696-560: The U.S. in the early 2000s. This continuous administration of active pills without the placebo can lead to the achievement of amenorrhea in 80% of users within 1 year of use. Breastfeeding causes negative feedback to occur on pulse secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Depending on the strength of the negative feedback, breastfeeding women may experience complete suppression of follicular development, follicular development but no ovulation, or normal menstrual cycles may resume. Suppression of ovulation
6820-484: The UK research has shown that for women allotment growers, access to sanitation for menstrual hygiene management is limited. Menstruation can be delayed by the use of progesterone or progestins . For this purpose, oral administration of progesterone or progestin during cycle day 20 has been found to effectively delay menstruation for at least 20 days, with menstruation starting after 2–3 days have passed since discontinuing
6944-426: The ages of 10 and 14, with an average age of 12. Menstruation starting as young as 8 years would still be considered normal. The average age of the first period is generally later in the developing world , and earlier in the developed world . The typical length of time between the first day of one period and the first day of the next is 21 to 45 days in young women. In adults, the range is between 21 and 35 days with
7068-470: The availability of mass-produced plastic lanterns, which often depict internationally recognizable characters from children's shows and video games. The Mid-Autumn Festival is known as Tết Trung Thu ( Chữ Nôm : 節中秋 ) in Vietnamese. It is also commonly referred to as the "Children's Festival". The Vietnamese traditionally believed that children, being the most innocent, had the closest connection to
7192-471: The average being 28 days. Bleeding usually lasts around 2 to 7 days. Periods stop during pregnancy and typically do not resume during the initial months of breastfeeding . Lochia occurs after childbirth. Menstruation, and with it the possibility of pregnancy, ceases after menopause , which usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age. Up to 80% of women do not experience problems sufficient to disrupt daily functioning either during menstruation or in
7316-617: The bathroom also invalidate one's wudhu. In Judaism , a woman during menstruation is called Niddah and may be banned from certain actions. For example, the Jewish Torah prohibits sexual intercourse with a menstruating woman. In Hinduism , menstruating women are traditionally considered ritually impure and given rules to follow. Menstruation education is frequently taught in combination with sex education at school in Western countries , although girls may prefer their mothers to be
7440-541: The beginning of the harvest season on 1 August and was called Lammas , meaning 'loaf Mass'. The Latin prayer to hallow the bread is given in the Durham Ritual. Farmers made loaves of bread from the fresh wheat crop. These were given to the local church as the Communion bread during a special service thanking God for the harvest. By the sixteenth century, several customs seem to have been firmly established around
7564-572: The boats and racing them at the Tonle Sap River. When night falls the streets are filled with people buying food and attending various concerts. In the evening is the Sampeah Preah Khae: the salutation to the moon or prayers to the moon. The Cambodian people set an array of offerings that are popular for rabbits, such and various fruits and a traditional dish called Ak Ambok in front of their homes with lit incenses to make wishes to
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#17328018723207688-555: The brightest rituals is the Fire Dragon Dance dating back to the 19th century and recognised as a part of China's intangible cultural heritage. The 200 foot-long fire dragon requires more than 300 people to operate, taking turns. The leader of the fire dragon dance would pray for peace, good fortune through blessings in Hakka. After the ritual ceremony, fire-dragon was thrown into the sea with lanterns and paper cards, which means
7812-417: The course of the whole menstrual cycle. Reducing salt, alcohol, caffeine, and stress , along with increasing exercise is typically all that is recommended for the management of mild symptoms. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation may be useful in some. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen may help with physical symptoms. In those with more significant symptoms, birth control pills or
7936-624: The courtyard, including apples, pears, peaches, grapes, pomegranates , melons, oranges, and pomelos . One of the first decorations purchased for the celebration table is a clay statue of the Jade Rabbit . In Chinese folklore, the Jade Rabbit was an animal that lived on the Moon and accompanied Chang'e. Offerings of soy beans and cockscomb flowers were made to the Jade Rabbit. Nowadays, in southern China, people will also eat some seasonal fruit that may differ in different district but carrying
8060-532: The creation of new types of mooncakes, such as ice-cream mooncake and snow skin mooncake . There are also other traditions related to the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong. Neighbourhoods across Hong Kong set impressive lantern exhibitions with traditional stage shows, game stalls, palm readings, and many other festive activities. The grandest celebrations take place in Victoria Park (Hong Kong) . One of
8184-519: The custom as an organized part of the Church of England calendar was Rev Piers Claughton at Elton, Huntingdonshire in or about 1854. As British people have come to rely less heavily on home-grown produce, there has been a shift in emphasis in many Harvest Festival celebrations. Increasingly, churches have linked Harvest with an awareness of and concern for people in the developing world for whom growing crops of sufficient quality and quantity remains
8308-509: The days leading up to menstruation. Symptoms in advance of menstruation that do interfere with normal life are called premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Some 20 to 30% of women experience PMS, with 3 to 8% experiencing severe symptoms. These include acne , tender breasts, bloating, feeling tired, irritability, and mood changes. Other symptoms some women experience include painful periods (estimates are between 50 and 90%) and heavy bleeding during menstruation and abnormal bleeding at any time during
8432-522: The dragon would return to sea and take the misfortunes away. Before 1941, There were also some celebration of Mid-Autumn Festival held in small villages in Hong Kong. Sha Po would celebrate Mid Autumn Festival in every 15th day of the 8th Chinese lunisolar month. People called the Mid-Autumn Festival the Kwong Sin Festival. They held Pok San Ngau Tsai at Datong Pond in Sha Po. Pok San Ngau Tsai
8556-443: The early decades of the twentieth century Vietnam, young men and women used the festival as a chance to meet future life companions. Groups would assemble in a courtyard and exchange verses of song while gazing at the Moon. Those who performed poorly were sidelined until one young man and one young woman remained, after which they would win prizes as well as entertain matrimonial prospects. Harvest festival A harvest festival
8680-415: The early decades of the twentieth century of Vietnam, daughters of wealthy families would prepare elaborate center pieces filled with treats for their younger siblings. Well-dressed visitors could visit to observe the daughter's handiwork as an indication of her capabilities as a wife in the future. Eventually the practice of arranging centerpieces became a tradition not just limited to wealthy families. Into
8804-507: The early twentieth century in Hanoi, the festival had begun to assume its identity as the quintessential children's festival. Aside from the story of Chang'e (Vietnamese: Hằng Nga), there are two other popular folktales associated with the festival. The first describes the legend of Cuội , whose wife accidentally urinated on a sacred banyan tree. The tree began to float towards the Moon, and Cuội, trying to pull it back down to Earth, floated to
8928-648: The end of the Yuan dynasty (1280–1368 CE), in which the Han Chinese used traditional mooncakes to conceal the message that they were to rebel on Mid-Autumn Day. Because of strict controls upon Han Chinese families imposed by the Mongols in which only 1 out of every 10 households was allowed to own a knife guarded by a Mongolian, this coordinated message was important to gather as many available weapons as possible. Imperial dishes served on this occasion included nine-jointed lotus roots which symbolize peace, and watermelons cut in
9052-456: The evaluation of abnormal bleeding. Women who had undergone female genital mutilation (particularly type III- infibulation ) a practice common in parts of Africa , may experience menstrual problems, such as slow and painful menstruation, that is caused by the near-complete sealing off of the vagina. Dysmenorrhea , also known as period pain, painful periods or menstrual cramps, is pain during menstruation. Its usual onset occurs around
9176-413: The extent of which depends on the woman. As well as blood, the fluid consists of cervical mucus, vaginal secretions, and endometrial tissue . Vaginal fluids in menses mainly contribute water, common electrolytes, organ moieties, and at least 14 proteins, including glycoproteins. Many women and girls notice blood clots during menstruation. These appear as clumps of blood that may look like tissue. If there
9300-438: The farmers believed that a spirit resided in the last sheaf of grain to be harvested. To chase out the spirit, they beat the grain to the ground. Elsewhere they wove some blades of the cereal into a "corn dolly" that they kept safe for "luck" until seed-sowing the following year. Then they plowed the ears of grain back into the soil in hopes that this would bless the new crop. Menstruation Menstruation (also known as
9424-518: The festival known as Harvest Festival, Harvest Home, Harvest Thanksgiving or Harvest Festival of Thanksgiving. In British and English-Caribbean churches, chapels and schools, and some Canadian churches, people bring in produce from the garden, the allotment or farm. The food is often distributed among the poor and senior citizens of the local community or used to raise funds for the church, or charity. Oromos in Ethiopia also celebrate Irreecha ,
9548-454: The festival, but it is certain that lanterns were not used in conjunction with Moon-worship prior to the Tang dynasty . Traditionally, the lantern has been used to symbolize fertility, and functioned mainly as a toy and decoration. But today the lantern has come to symbolize the festival itself. In the old days, lanterns were made in the image of natural things, myths, and local cultures. Over time,
9672-415: The festival, families and friends gather to play Bo Bing , a gambling sort of game involving 6 dice. People take turns in rolling the dice in a ceramic bowl with the results determining what they win. The number 4 is mainly what determines how big the prize is. In Hong Kong and Macau , the day after the Mid-Autumn Festival is a public holiday rather than the festival date itself (unless that date falls on
9796-493: The festival. Hence, mooncakes are sold in elegant boxes for presentation purpose. Also, the price for these boxes are not considered cheap—a four-mooncake box of the lotus seeds paste with egg yolks variety, can generally cost US$ 40 or more. However, as environmental protection has become a concern of the public in recent years, many mooncake manufacturers in Hong Kong have adopted practices to reduce packaging materials to practical limits. The mooncake manufacturers also explore in
9920-583: The festival: The festival celebrates three fundamental concepts that are closely connected: Traditions and myths surrounding the festival are formed around these concepts, although traditions have changed over time due to changes in technology, science, economy, culture, and religion. The Chinese have celebrated the harvest during the autumn full moon since the Shang dynasty ( c. 1600 –1046 BCE). The term mid-autumn (中秋) first appeared in Rites of Zhou ,
10044-523: The fields and scatter ) helped popularise his idea of a harvest festival, and spread the annual custom of decorating churches with home-grown produce for the Harvest Festival service. On 8 September 1854 the Revd Dr William Beal , Rector of Brooke, Norfolk , held a Harvest Festival aimed at ending what he saw as disgraceful scenes at the end of harvest, and went on to promote 'harvest homes' in other Norfolk villages. Another early adopter of
10168-573: The gathering of the final harvest. They include the reapers accompanying a fully laden cart; a tradition of shouting "Hooky, hooky"; and one of the foremost reapers dressing extravagantly, acting as 'lord' of the harvest and asking for money from the onlookers. A play by Thomas Nashe , Summer's Last Will and Testament , (first published in London in 1600 but believed from internal evidence to have been first performed in October 1592 at Croydon ) contains
10292-481: The handkerchief has a chance at romance. In Daguang , in southwest Guizhou Province , young men and women of the Dong people would make an appointment at a certain place. The young women would arrive early to overhear remarks made about them by the young men. The young men would praise their lovers in front of their fellows, in which finally the listening women would walk out of the thicket. Pairs of lovers would go off to
10416-513: The harvest celebration. The last verse is repeated in full after the character Harvest remarks to the audience "Is your throat clear to help us sing hooky, hooky ?" and a stage direction adds, "Heere they all sing after him". Also, in 1555 in Archbishop Parker 's translation of Psalm 126 occur the lines: "He home returnes: wyth hocky cry, With sheaues full lade abundantly." In some parts of England "Hockey" or " Horkey " (the word
10540-473: The highest likelihood of pregnancy resulting from sexual intercourse) occurs during just a few days of the cycle: usually two days before and two days after the ovulation date. This corresponds to the second and the beginning of the third week in a 28-day cycle. This fertile window varies from woman to woman, just as the ovulation date often varies from cycle to cycle for the same woman. A variety of methods have been developed to help individual women estimate
10664-544: The hoky, or seed cake, these he yearly keeps, yet holds them no relics of popery." Early English settlers took the idea of harvest thanksgiving to North America. The most famous one is the harvest Thanksgiving held by the Pilgrims in 1621. Nowadays the festival is held at the end of harvest, which varies in different parts of Britain. Sometimes neighboring churches will set the Harvest Festival on different Sundays so that people can attend each other's thanksgiving. Until
10788-436: The holiday is the carrying of brightly lit lanterns , lighting lanterns on towers, or floating sky lanterns . Another tradition involving lanterns is to write riddles on them and have other people try to guess the answers ( simplified Chinese : 灯谜 ; traditional Chinese : 燈謎 ; pinyin : dēng mí ; lit. 'lantern riddles'). It is difficult to discern the original purpose of lanterns in connection to
10912-489: The lanterns and Cambodians make prayers and then send if off into the river for their wishes and prayers to be heard and granted. In Laos, many festivals are held on the day of the full moon. The most popular festival known as That Luang Festival is associated with Buddhist legend and is held at Pha That Luang temple in Vientiane . The festival often lasts for three to seven days. A procession occurs and many people visit
11036-411: The meaning of maintaining familial unity remains. Although typical mooncakes can be around a few centimetres in diameter, imperial chefs have made some as large as 8 meters in diameter, with its surface pressed with designs of Chang'e, cassia trees, or the Moon-Palace. One tradition is to pile 13 mooncakes on top of each other to mimic a pagoda , the number 13 being chosen to represent the 13 months in
11160-755: The menstrual blood. The main disposable products (commercially manufactured) include: The main reusable products include: Due to poverty, some women cannot afford commercial feminine hygiene products. Instead, they use materials found in the environment or other improvised materials. " Period poverty " is a global issue affecting women and girls who do not have access to safe, hygienic sanitary products. In addition, solid waste disposal systems in developing countries are often lacking, which means women have no proper place to dispose used products, such as pads. Inappropriate disposal of used materials also creates pressures on sanitation systems as menstrual hygiene products can create blockages of toilets, pipes and sewers. In
11284-425: The menstrual cycle. A lack of periods, known as amenorrhea , is when periods do not occur by age 15 or have not re-occurred in 90 days. The first menstrual period occurs after the onset of pubertal growth, and is called menarche . The average age of menarche is 12 to 15 years. However, it may occur as early as eight. The average age of the first period is generally later in the developing world , and earlier in
11408-475: The menstrual cycle. This includes muscle contractions of the uterus (menstrual cramping) that can precede or accompany menstruation. Many women experience painful cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea , during menstruation. Among adult women, that pain is severe enough to affect daily activity in only 2%–28%. Severe symptoms that disrupt daily activities and functioning may be diagnosed as premenstrual dysphoric disorder . These symptoms can be severe enough to affect
11532-562: The middle of autumn. The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture; its popularity is on par with that of Chinese New Year . The history of the festival dates back over 3,000 years. Similar festivals are celebrated by other cultures in East and Southeast Asia . During the festival, lanterns of all size and shapes – which symbolize beacons that light people's path to prosperity and good fortune – are carried and displayed. Mooncakes ,
11656-543: The moon is at its fullest. Offerings are also made to a more well-known lunar deity, Chang'e , known as the Moon Goddess of Immortality. The myths associated with Chang'e explain the origin of Moon worship during this day. One version of the story is as follows, as described in Lihui Yang's Handbook of Chinese Mythology : In the ancient past, there was a hero named Hou Yi who was excellent at archery. His wife
11780-435: The moon to divine the future of the people and the harvests. Eventually the celebration came to symbolize a reverence for fruitfulness, with prayers given for bountiful harvests, increase in livestock, and fertility. Over time, the prayers for children evolved into the celebration of children. Historical Confucian scholars continued the tradition of gazing at the Moon, but to sip wine and improvise poetry and song. However, by
11904-453: The moon. Today, it is still an occasion for outdoor reunions among friends and relatives to eat mooncakes and watch the Moon, a symbol of harmony and unity. During a year of a solar eclipse, it is typical for governmental offices, banks, and schools to close extra days in order to enjoy the extended celestial celebration an eclipse brings. The festival is celebrated with many cultural or regional customs, among them: A notable part of celebrating
12028-912: The most common one being Mid-Autumn Festival or simply Mid-Autumn ( 中秋 ), as well as its traditional calendar date, either Fifteenth of the Eighth Month or Half of the Eighth Month , which is more regional. Other regional names include Eighth Month Festival, used in places such as Northeast China , Southern Fujian , and Jianghuai ; Festival of Unity ( simplified Chinese : 团圆节 ; traditional Chinese : 團圓節 ; Wugniu : doe-yoe-ciq ; Nanjingese : tuang üän zie ), used in Shanghai and Nanjing ; and Mooncake Festival ( simplified Chinese : 月饼节 ; traditional Chinese : 月餅節 ; Jyutping : jyut beng zit ), used in Guangdong and Hong Kong . Outside China, there are several other names for
12152-460: The myth: After the hero Houyi shot down nine of the ten suns, he was pronounced king by the thankful people. However, he soon became a conceited and tyrannical ruler. In order to live long without death, he asked for the elixir from Xiwangmu . But his wife, Chang'e, stole it on the fifteenth of August because she did not want the cruel king to live long and hurt more people. She took the magic potion to prevent her husband from becoming immortal. Houyi
12276-456: The next is 21 to 45 days in young women, and 21 to 35 days in adults. The average length is 28 days; one study estimated it at 29.3 days. The variability of menstrual cycle lengths is highest for women under 25 years of age and is lowest, that is, most regular, for ages 25 to 39 years. The variability increases slightly for women aged 40 to 44 years. Perimenopause is when a woman's fertility declines, and menstruation occurs less regularly in
12400-453: The practice in 2017 after deaths were reported after the elongated isolation periods, but "the practice of isolating menstruating women and girls continues." Not all cultures villainize menstruation, the Beng people of West Africa consider menstrual blood as sacred and recognize its significance in reproduction. Even though the average length of the human menstrual cycle is similar to that of
12524-868: The primary source of information about menstruation and puberty. Information about menstruation is often shared among friends and peers, which may promote a more positive outlook on puberty. The quality of menstrual education in a society determines the accuracy of people's understanding of the process. In many Western countries where menstruation is a taboo subject, girls tend to conceal the fact that they may be menstruating and struggle to ensure that they give no sign of menstruation. Effective educational programs are essential to providing children and adolescents with clear and accurate information about menstruation. Schools can be an appropriate place for menstrual education to take place. Programs led by peers or third-party agencies are another option. Low-income girls are less likely to receive proper sex education on puberty, leading to
12648-799: The regimen. Hormonal contraception affects the frequency, duration, severity, volume, and regularity of menstruation and menstrual symptoms. The most common form of hormonal contraception is the combined birth control pill , which contains both estrogen and progestogen . Although the primary function of the pill is to prevent pregnancy, it may be used to improve some menstrual symptoms and syndromes which affect menstruation , such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis , adenomyosis , amenorrhea , menstrual cramps , menstrual migraines , menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding), menstruation-related or fibroid-related anemia and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) by creating regularity in menstrual cycles and reducing overall menstrual flow. Using
12772-449: The relatively fertile and the relatively infertile days in the cycle; these systems are called fertility awareness . Infrequent or irregular ovulation is called oligoovulation . The absence of ovulation is called anovulation . Normal menstrual flow can occur without ovulation preceding it: an anovulatory cycle . In some cycles, follicular development may start but not be completed; nevertheless, estrogens will be formed and stimulate
12896-413: The sacred, pure and natural beauty of the world. The celebration of the children's spirit was seen as a way to connect to that world still full of wonder, mystery, teachings, joy, and sadness. Animist spirits, deities and Vietnamese folk religions are also observed during the festival. In its most traditional form, the evening commemorates the dragon who brings rain for the crops. Celebrants would observe
13020-440: The same day or around the Mid-Autumn Festival. The Japanese moon viewing festival, o- tsukimi ( お月見 , "moon viewing"), is also held at this time. People picnic and drink sake under the full moon to celebrate the harvest. Chuseok ( Korean : 추석 ; Hanja : 秋夕 ; [tɕʰu.sʌk̚]), literally "Autumn eve", once known as hangawi ( 한가위 ; [han.ɡa.ɥi]; from archaic Korean for "the great middle (of autumn)"),
13144-405: The same meaning of blessing. The Mid-Autumn moon has traditionally been a choice occasion to celebrate marriages. Girls would pray to Moon deity Chang'e to help fulfill their romantic wishes. In some parts of China, dances are held for young men and women to find partners. For example, young women are encouraged to throw their handkerchiefs to the crowd, and the young man who catches and returns
13268-594: The shape of lotus petals which symbolize reunion. Teacups were placed on stone tables in the garden, where the family would pour tea and chat, waiting for the moment when the full moon's reflection appeared in the center of their cups. Owing to the timing of the plant's blossoms, cassia wine is the traditional choice for the "reunion wine" drunk on the occasion. Also, people will celebrate by eating cassia cakes and candy. In some places, people will celebrate by drinking osmanthus wine and eating osmanthus mooncakes. Food offerings made to deities are placed on an altar set up in
13392-616: The streets, going to houses asking for permission to perform for them. If the host consents, the "lion" will come in and start dancing as a blessing of luck and fortune for the home. In return, the host gives lucky money to show their gratitude. Cakes and fruits are not only consumed, but elaborately prepared as food displays. For example, glutinous rice flour and rice paste are molded into familiar animals. Pomelo sections can be fashioned into unicorns, rabbits, or dogs. Villagers of Xuân La , just north of Hanoi , produce tò he , figurines made from rice paste and colored with natural food dyes. Into
13516-439: The structures of the uterus and ovaries of the female reproductive system that makes pregnancy possible. The ovarian cycle controls the production and release of eggs and the cyclic release of estrogen and progesterone . The uterine cycle governs the preparation and maintenance of the lining of the uterus (womb) to receive an embryo . These cycles are concurrent and coordinated, normally last between 21 and 35 days, with
13640-413: The temple to pay respect to the monks and offer food. It is also a time for thanksgiving and paying homage to Buddhist monks, teachers, parents and elders. The mid-Autumn festival is informally observed, but is not a government or public holiday. In Vietnam, children participate in parades in the dark under the full moon with lanterns of various forms, shapes, and colors. Traditionally, lanterns signified
13764-590: The temple. In Myanmar, numerous festivals are held on the day of the full moon. However, the Thadingyut Festival is the most popular one and occurs in the month of Thadingyut. It also occurs around the time of the Mid-Autumn Festival, depending on the lunar calendar. It is one of the biggest festivals in Myanmar after the New Year festival, Thingyan . It is a Buddhist festival and many people go to
13888-527: The time that menstruation begins. Symptoms typically last less than three days. The pain is usually in the pelvis or lower abdomen. Other symptoms may include back pain , diarrhea or nausea. Dysmenorrhea can occur without an underlying problem. Underlying issues that can cause dysmenorrhea include uterine fibroids , adenomyosis , and most commonly, endometriosis . It is more common among those with heavy periods , irregular periods, those whose periods started before twelve years of age and those who have
14012-865: The use of a heating pad. Medications that may help include NSAIDs such as ibuprofen , hormonal birth control and the IUD with progestogen . Taking vitamin B1 or magnesium may help. Evidence for yoga , acupuncture and massage is insufficient. Surgery may be useful if certain underlying problems are present. Menstrual products (also called " feminine hygiene " products) are made to absorb or catch menstrual blood. A number of different products are available – some are disposable, some are reusable. Where women can afford it, items used to absorb or catch menses are usually commercially manufactured products. Menstruating women manage menstruation primarily by wearing menstrual products such as tampons, napkins or menstrual cups to catch
14136-427: The uterine lining. Anovulatory flow resulting from a very thick endometrium caused by prolonged, continued high estrogen levels is called estrogen breakthrough bleeding . Anovulatory bleeding triggered by a sudden drop in estrogen levels is called withdrawal bleeding . Anovulatory cycles commonly occur before menopause (perimenopause) and in women with polycystic ovary syndrome . Very little flow (less than 10 ml)
14260-466: The week of the festival signifies the completeness and unity of families. In some areas of China, there is a tradition of making mooncakes during the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. The senior person in that household would cut the mooncakes into pieces and distribute them to each family member, signifying family reunion. In modern times, however, making mooncakes at home has given way to the more popular custom of giving mooncakes to family members, although
14384-535: The week-long harvest festival of Sukkot in the autumn. Observant Jews build a temporary hut or shack called a sukkah , and spend the week living, eating, sleeping, and praying inside it. It is reminiscent of the tabernacles Israelite farmers would live in during the harvest, at the end of which they would bring a portion of the harvest to the Temple in Jerusalem . An early harvest festival used to be celebrated at
14508-459: The wish for the Sun's light and warmth to return after winter. In addition to carrying lanterns, the children also don masks. Elaborate masks were made of papier-mâché , though it is more common to find masks made of plastic nowadays. Handcrafted shadow lanterns were an important part of Mid-Autumn displays since the 12th-century Lý dynasty , often of historical figures from Vietnamese history. Handcrafted lantern-making declined in modern times due to
14632-519: The yard and gave sacrifices to his wife. People soon learned about these activities, and since they also were sympathetic to Chang'e they participated in these sacrifices with Yi. "when people learned of this story, they burnt incense on a long altar and prayed to Chang'e, now the goddess of the Moon, for luck and safety. The custom of praying to the Moon on Mid-Autumn Day has been handed down for thousands of years since that time." Handbook of Chinese Mythology also describes an alternate common version of
14756-559: The years leading up to the final menstrual period, when a woman stops menstruating completely and is no longer fertile. The medical definition of menopause is one year without a period and typically occurs between 45 and 55 years in Western countries. Menopause before age 45 is considered premature in industrialized countries. Illnesses, certain surgeries, or medical treatments may cause menopause to occur earlier than it might have otherwise. The average volume of menstrual fluid during
14880-421: Was Chang'e. One year, the ten suns rose in the sky together, causing great disaster to the people. Yi shot down nine of the suns and left only one to provide light. An immortal admired Yi and sent him the elixir of immortality. Yi did not want to leave Chang'e and be immortal without her, so he let Chang'e keep the elixir. However, Peng Meng, one of his apprentices, knew this secret. So, on the fifteenth of August in
15004-453: Was a miscarriage or a stillbirth , examination under a microscope can confirm if it was endometrial tissue or pregnancy tissue ( products of conception ) that was shed. Sometimes menstrual clots or shed endometrial tissue is incorrectly thought to indicate an early-term miscarriage of an embryo. An enzyme called plasmin – contained in the endometrium – tends to inhibit the blood from clotting . The amount of iron lost in menstrual fluid
15128-410: Was a celebration event of the Kwong Sin Festival, and people would gather around to watch it. During the event, someone would play the percussions, and some villagers would then act possessed and call themselves "Maoshan Masters". They burnt themselves with incense sticks and fought with real blades and spears. In Taiwan , and its outlying islands Penghu , Kinmen , and Matsu , the Mid-Autumn Festival
15252-700: Was also the time when the taxes were collected. Visitors from different parts of the Persian Empire brought gifts for the king, all contributing to a lively festival. In India, Makar Sankranti , Thai Pongal , Uttarayana , Lohri , and Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu in January, Holi in February–March, Vaisakhi in April and Onam in August–September are a few important harvest festivals. Jews celebrate
15376-475: Was so angry when discovered that Chang'e took the elixir, he shot at his wife as she flew toward the moon, though he missed. Chang'e fled to the moon and became the spirit of the moon. Houyi died soon because he was overcome with great anger. Thereafter, people offer a sacrifice to Chang'e on every fifteenth day of eighth month to commemorate Chang'e's action. The festival was a time to enjoy the successful reaping of rice and wheat with food offerings made in honor of
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