1880-10-03 “Far From Easy” by Emma (born 1965)

I will begin by saying that Devon does far more for us than he can imagine. The ways of 1880 are so different—and difficult.

Cooking is so hard.

Bathing is an ordeal, which explains a lot about the way people smell. There was over an hour that went into preparing for this bath (It’s Sunday). 

Also, in 1880, what I’m about to say is so taboo as to be never discussed above a whisper. Being on your period is gross.

I sort of think I heard about tampons of a sort being around in ancient Egypt. Memphis might be named for a city in Egypt, but no one here knows about tampons. (Hannah and I are thinking of inventing them—thought for another post.) Menstruation is dealt with with reusable (you have to wash them) rags. Menstrual clothes. And there’s an evil contraption called a menstrual belt that holds them in place.

More or less.

I’ll add a thought. The Jewish practice of mikveh makes a lot of sense. I don’t know how other women feel wearing the menstrual rags and all that but “unclean” sure seems like a nice way of saying how I feel. Religious meaning aside (not to discount its spiritual importance) getting cleaned up after wearing <adjective omitted> rags for a week is amazingly pleasing.

And, you know the idea that women living together end up getting their periods at the same time? That happened. So, the washing of rags is an all-consuming task for a week every month.

Thankfully, Devon is willing to produce gallons of hot water for our “laundry” needs. Back to what I said at first. He does far more for keeping us sane than he can imagine.

Nothing about 1880 is easier.