Blood as fertility

The most widespread metaphorical trope attributes life-giving qualities to blood, both in terms of procreation and agricultural fertility.

Papua New Guinea, ancient Mesopotamia, Greece, and so forth, all have literal and symbolic blood rites to promote fertility. The most obvious symbol here is that of menstruation. In her analysis, Meyer lingers quite long on the idea of menstruation and the sociology surrounding menstruation in many cultures. In the frame of reference of ancient culture, this is particularly fascinating--the ways in which many cultures dealt with menstruation (and, indeed, menstruating women) ranges from social quarantine to ritual cleansing to the deifying of menses.

However, as cultures have advanced, so has our relationship with menstruation. It has been sanitized and shifted to a hygienic routine rather than one of cultural significance. In the realm of modern cinema, then, there is not much to be said about menses per se: there is more to be seen in the representation of women's shed blood.


Carrie (1976)


Carrie is an interesting film in this context--it contains both blood of menstruation and of violence. The scene above is the opening of the film featuring Carrie's first period, her reaction, and reactions of those around her. Her primary gut reaction of extreme fear nearing rage is astounding, and it sets the frame for her viciously violent interactions with those around her by the end of the film, when it is no longer her blood showering down! The taunting of her classmates, too, sets a frame of reference of the commonplace relationship with menstruation in the 70s, with sanitary pads and tampons abounding. Her classmates' relationships with their menses is casual, and to see someone react so foreignly to her own blood is worthy of mocking. The third relationship to menstruation here is Carrie's mother, who brings in an element of religious fervor nearing the occult. Her insinuation here is even more extreme: that menstruation only comes as a repercussion of sin, particularly sex. Fertility in Carrie is not a positive thing, as it marks the beginning of her telekinetic powers. Carrie's "demonic" behavior should not reproduce, and she is told time and time again by everyone around her that she is not worth the gift of life.





The Dreamers (2003)

I'm trying still to find a clip or to upload one, but there are two important blood as fertility scenes. One is when American student Matthew breaks Isabelle's hymen and they share a bloody kiss. The other is when menstruates in the bathtub while they are bathing together. The first scene is one celebrating fertility, in a way -- Matthew passionately accepts the blood-soaked gesture. The second is the celebration of continuing fertility rather than new life--that is, Isabelle is not pregnant by the young man, and they can continue their affair.




A more thorough examination on both contemporary emotions surrounding menstruation and its representation in television and film is available online in an article "On the rag on screen: menarche in film and television" by Elizabeth Arveda Kissling.