fæðuöfl

Fæðuöfl is a concept in Icelandic fertility tradition. It represents the covering or flowing out of a woman's womb, marking the end of her fertile period during her menstrual cycle. This event has significant implications for the community as it signifies the woman is no longer able to conceive.

In Icelandic culture, a woman is considered fertile from her 14th to approximately her 49th year. The fæðuöfl marks the end of this cycle, after which a woman is considered postmenopausal. This process usually starts around the age of 50, although it may start earlier for some women.

Women experiencing fæðuöfl typically notice changes in their body, including lighter periods, irregular bleeding, or even a complete absence of menstruation. Some women may also experience other symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings.

In traditional Icelandic society, the occurrence of fæðuöfl had practical implications for family planning and social interactions. Women who had reached this stage were no longer considered fertile, and their reproductive role within the community had come to an end. The concept also served as a way to acknowledge and mark transitions in a woman's life, signifying the end of one stage and the beginning of another.

These traditional practices and understanding of fæðuöfl are still relevant today, serving as a window into Icelandic culture and history, and highlighting the significance of the menstrual cycle in the lives of women within this community.