Last year when I officially crossed the threshold of perimenopause into menopause, I had an overwhelming urge to celebrate this rite of passage/milestone. So I did. All by myself. I began my day with gratitude, prayer, Qigong, and continued with laughter and dance.

At the time, I didn’t think about why the urge to celebrate was so overwhelming. But as time passed, I reflected more on the possible reasons and eventually landed on rituals. Of course, I headed to Google to gather whatever information I could on menopausal rituals.

And Google did not disappoint. I came across several cultures that honor menopause with ceremonial rituals, and as I began to sift through, I realized that what my body wanted that day was a ritual to honor my journey and usher me into the new phase of my womanhood.

Despite the lack of reference, I’m thankful that I created my own ritual to honor what it means to be in menopause. This rite of passage required acknowledgment, acceptance, and action.

My ritual acknowledged the blessing of having a period, my pregnancies, perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. I also accepted that my body, mind, and spirit were functioning differently. There was music, dancing, chats with friends and loved ones, photos, videos, social media posts, and many other celebratory acts.

But perhaps the most extraordinary aspect of my ritual was the love and appreciation I felt for myself and all that came between my first period (which I clearly remember) and my last (which I also remember). It was a full-circle experience that deserved appreciative closure and ushering into the next leg of my earthly experience.

Here are seven cultures that honor menopause with ceremonial rituals:

Japan

In Japan, menopause is celebrated with a ceremony called “Kanreki” when a woman turns 60 years old, marking the completion of one full cycle of the Chinese zodiac. This ceremony is seen as a rebirth and a time of new beginnings.

Native American

In many Native American cultures, menopause is viewed as a time of wisdom and spiritual power. Women are often honored with special ceremonies, such as sweat lodges and vision quests.

African

In some African cultures, menopause is celebrated with a “coming of age” ceremony that marks a woman’s transition into a new phase of life. Women are adorned with new clothing and jewelry and celebrated with music and dance.

Indian

In some parts of India, menopause is celebrated with a ceremony called “Sreemanta,” where women are honored for their wisdom and experience. The ceremony includes blessings from elders and a feast with family and friends.

Mexican

In Mexico, menopause is celebrated with a ceremony called “La Caida de la Cabaña,” where women gather together to share their experiences and celebrate their transition into a new phase of life.

South Korean

In South Korea, menopause is celebrated with a ceremony called “Jangsaeng-ui,” which means “a celebration of life.” Women are honored with a feast, gifts, and traditional Korean rituals.

Balinese

In Bali, menopause is celebrated with a ceremony called “Otonan,” where women are honored for their knowledge and experience. The ceremony includes offerings to the gods, music, dance, and a feast with family and friends.

Bottom Line

Menopause rituals are nothing new. They serve as a way to honor and celebrate women as they transition into a new phase of life and recognize their wisdom and experience.

Although I didn’t know menopause rituals existed, my body intuitively craved the experience. It’s a great way to express self-love and appreciation. The bottom line, listen to your body and honor it in whatever way feels aligned and attuned to you.

Regardless of the mode, celebrating ourselves is a fantastic form of self-care. Whether the celebration is solo or in community, a menopause ritual connects us to our past, present, and future. It reminds us of who we were, who we are, and who we are becoming, and fosters appreciation and belonging. If your body yearns for it, do it. As a friend on IG said, “even if you’re in post-menopause, it’s not to late to celebrate your transition.”

Wanna learn more about menopausal rituals? Send me a DM.

What are your thoughts on menopause rituals?