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Due to rising standards of living and better nutritional standards in modern societies, the average age at which girls begin to menstruate has gradually shifted earlier over the past century or two. In medieval Europe, the age of first menstruation was anywhere from 12 to 15 years old, while in modern times, the average age is ''roughly'' 13 years old. In the books, Sansa is 12 years old in the second novel, but 14 years old in the corresponding section of the TV series (Season 2). |
Due to rising standards of living and better nutritional standards in modern societies, the average age at which girls begin to menstruate has gradually shifted earlier over the past century or two. In medieval Europe, the age of first menstruation was anywhere from 12 to 15 years old, while in modern times, the average age is ''roughly'' 13 years old. In the books, Sansa is 12 years old in the second novel, but 14 years old in the corresponding section of the TV series (Season 2). |
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| − | In contrast, the legal age of majority for boys in the Seven Kingdoms is considered to be 16 years of age. Again, there is no concept of being a "teenager" or "adolescent". A boy who has turned 16 suddenly becomes "a man grown". |
+ | In contrast, the legal age of majority for boys in the Seven Kingdoms is considered to be 16 years of age. Again, there is no concept of being a "teenager" or "adolescent". A boy who has turned 16 suddenly becomes "a man grown", on his sixteenth [[nameday]]. |
Menstruation is also alternatively referred to as "moonblood" in the books. |
Menstruation is also alternatively referred to as "moonblood" in the books. |
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Revision as of 23:07, 25 December 2012
"Flowering" is the term used in polite conversation in the Seven Kingdoms to refer to menstruation.[1] When a woman is menstruating it may be said that her "red flower is blooming".[2] Alternatively, it is simply referred to as a woman "having her blood".[3]
In the books
Real-life medieval societies, upon which Westeros is based, did not possess a concept of "adolescence" as modern-day societies do. There was no concept of an intervening live-stage between childhood and adulthood. Thus as soon as a girl menstruated, she was considered a "woman", and could be married.
Due to rising standards of living and better nutritional standards in modern societies, the average age at which girls begin to menstruate has gradually shifted earlier over the past century or two. In medieval Europe, the age of first menstruation was anywhere from 12 to 15 years old, while in modern times, the average age is roughly 13 years old. In the books, Sansa is 12 years old in the second novel, but 14 years old in the corresponding section of the TV series (Season 2).
In contrast, the legal age of majority for boys in the Seven Kingdoms is considered to be 16 years of age. Again, there is no concept of being a "teenager" or "adolescent". A boy who has turned 16 suddenly becomes "a man grown", on his sixteenth nameday.
Menstruation is also alternatively referred to as "moonblood" in the books.
The polite term for an intact hymen is "maidenhead". Deflowering a virgin is said to be "taking her maidenhead".
See also
References
- ↑ "A Man Without Honor"
- ↑ "Baelor"
- ↑ "Fire and Blood"