Jasmine can not leave her room (or the house) for 7 days following her first menstruation. She is sitting on a chair on which a white cloth is lying with some herbs. The hair is tied in a dot (chastity). It is not allowed to wash in the shower during that period. She is accompanied in that period by older women and by people with more life experience who give her valuable advice.
No fat and sugary food may be consumed. She is only allowed to eat white rice and the following side dishes:
Hereby an acidic herbal drink (jamu kunir asem) is drunk with turmeric and tamarind. This drink is healthy, good for blood circulation and promotes a good smell.
Java, the heart of the Indonesian Republic. An Orientation to the Culture and Traditions of Java.