Pollution, sexual

Ritual or mystical pollution results from taboo violation, the mixing of two or more powers or essences that should remain separate, and can cause interruptions in communication with the divine and result in human societal misfortune. The male and female powers of reproduction are especially potent, and potentially polluting, around the world. Semen and sexual intercourse may pollute temporarily; menstrual blood is highly polluting and dangerous. Menstruating women are isolated. Childbirth is severely polluting in some traditional areas of the world. Anthropology has recently provided some evidence that the genitals themselves emanate dangerous polluting power, which may help to explain the worldwide avoidance of their exposure.