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This menstrual product ad from the late 19th century shows a very jubilant woman going cycling.
(lemmy.vg)
Source: https://masto.ai/@vagina_museum/113034287254264640
The menstrual product ad trope of a jubilant woman going rock climbing or bungee jumping or doing athletic feats is associated with the 1980s, but it's in fact way older than that. This menstrual product ad from the late 19th century shows a very jubilant woman going cycling.
The pads in the advert, which apparently help you cycle around dressed like a triumphant Roman, include "pasteurised peat". Peat moss, also known as sphagnum, was a popular choice for homemade menstrual pads as the moss can absorb up to 20 times its weight in moisture.
Image courtesy of Courtesy of Musée Carnavalet.
why ride side-saddle, on a trike no less?
I think that if she was done otherwise, it would've made the pose more erotic or perhaps made it look like she was letting out a fart.