The Question of Passing Gas!

"The medical term for the mixture of gases is flatus, informally known as a fart, or simply gas." And "the noises commonly associated with flatulence are caused by the vibrations of the anal sphincter, and occasionally by the closed buttocks."

As this natural occurrence was beautifully described above, one might think, well, why is this embarrassing anyway! If culturally Japanese hosts expect you to burp to show your appreciation for the food they serve you, why can't you relieve yourself from the unexpected and unpleasant pressure. you might think that this totally doesn't make sense. But let's face it. Burping and farting are both audible and odorous bodily functions. So, why is one regarded as OK or -- in the case of Japanese hosts -- even an expression of gratitude, and the other is almost universally regarded as an obnoxious boorishness? I said almost, because, in some cultures of the Indian Subcontinent, farting can serve as a means of expressing love (Don't ask me how!) or even an aphrodisiac between lovers.

It's hard to believe, but St. Augustine, one of the greatest minds of the mankind, wrote quite favorably about a specific aspect of this rather embarrassing bodily function. According to Wikipedia: "Augustine mentions men who 'have such command of their bowels, that they can break wind continuously at will, so as to produce the effect of singing'. The fact that mankind in general has lost this ability he attributes to the first sin of Adam-and-Eve and its consequences with respect to body control.Intentional passing of gas and its use as entertainment for others appear to have been somewhat well known in pre-modern Europe, according to mentions of it in medieval and later literature, including Rabelais."

As you might have suspected, I have no specific suggestion about how should you practice this critical bodily function. But it is wise in any case to pretend it wasn't you, whenever or wherever it happened. But at the same time I have a great idea that I'd like to pitch with the manufacturers of disposable underwear, sanitary pads, diapers etc. Why is there no odor-neutralizing pads on the store-shelves that we can stick to our underwear and fart whenever and wherever we want and pretend playing trumpet with our mouth! No embarrassment, no Odor! Hey this is a one-billion dollar idea! isn't it?