Mummy, what's a sanitary towel? Kotex brochure from the 1930s

We've already sounded off about the patronising myths perpetuated by 'lady' advertising; pointless footage of menstruating women blithely undertaking everyday pursuits like skydiving, rollerskating and holding loud conversations about their bowel movements in cafes.

But spare a thought for what the poor women of the 1930s had to go through when Aunt Flo came to stay.

First they had to hoist on a big nappy, then attach it to a special belt, then wash their hands in a silver bowl while looking in the mirror at midnight under a waning gibbous moon...

Well, probably not that last bit. But it was a bit complicated.

Luckily Kotex put out this brochure to help womenkind educate its daughters about the process.

Called 'Marjorie May's Twelfth Birthday', this curious vintage piece has been documented in its glory by Flickr user wiebe_ben. Take a look! And then give your nice, low-maintenance modern products a cuddle. Or um, maybe not.

But you might want to check out the Dollymix review of the Mooncup - the eco-friendly sanitary solution.

Via BoingBoing.

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