With the solar eclipse occurring on August 21, we figured it'd be fun to dive into some superstitions and myths surrounding solar eclipses from around the world!
A majority of cultures around the world find a solar eclipse as a bad omen. Throughout history, an eclipse of the sun has caused fear and has been linked with myths, legends, and superstitions. In fact, many superstitions still prevail today. We're here to take a deep dive into those superstitions and the history behind them in anticipation of the
solar eclipse on August 21.
However, before we dive into it, just imagine what an eclipse seemed like to people in ancient times. Your main source of light is suddenly covered by a black disc in the sky, causing your shadow to morph and twist into horrific shapes beneath your feet. Then, it fades into nothingness. Your world suddenly becomes dark, and all you can hear are the cries of people around you as you try to make sense of what's happening before your eyes. Are the end times near? Will you live in darkness forever? The panic and fear becomes very real.
Luckily, in modern times, we've got a better understanding of what a solar eclipse is and how it happens, so the drama and hysteria of the past almost seems foolish. We're more informed today and have the internet at our disposal (thank goodness). But, even now, there are still folks out there that continue to believe in the legends surrounding solar eclipses.
So, without further ado, let's check out these myths, legends, and superstitions!
Demons swallow the sun
Many ancient cultures believe that beasts and demons swallow the sun, causing the darkness to fall upon them. According to the ancient Chinese, the beast was in the form of an evil dragon. In ancient Vietnamese legends, it was a giant frog or toad. Other demons include a giant serpent (Mayans), giant bird (Hungarians), giant bear (Buryats in Siberia), giant wolves (Norse), and fire dogs (Koreans). A majority of the cultures would create as much noise as they possibly could in the hopes of scaring the demon away.
The sun and moon are quarreling
Inuit folklore states that the moon god Anningan is fighting with his sister Malina, the sun goddess. Malina then walks away from their fight and Anningan catches up with her, resulting in the solar eclipse. The Batammaliba, who live in Benin and Togo, used the eclipse of the sun as a teaching moment for younger generations. They believed that the solar eclipse meant the sun and moon were fighting, and the only way to stop the fighting was to make sure that people on Earth solved all of their conflicts.
"Face wash" in India
This is one of the more odd (and unsanitary) superstitions on our list. Fair warning ... Folks in India believe that "cleaning" your eyes and face with urine -- yes,
urine -- will prevent any issues with eyesores in the future. So, you know, you'll most likely get an eye infection either way. How you go about that is totally up to you! Personally, I'll take my chances by watching the eclipse.
No food
After that last superstition, you most likely lost your appetite (we don't blame you) so this next one should be rather easy to swallow. There are certain areas, particularly in India, where people fast during an eclipse because they are afraid that the food will be poisoned. No food is consumed during the day of a solar (or lunar) eclipse due to this fear.
Solar eclipses can be harmful to pregnant women
A myth that dates back to the Aztecs, many folks (even today) still believe that a solar eclipse is dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn children. Because of this, pregnant women in various cultures are forbidden to go outside during an eclipse. If they do go outside, the unborn child could develop deformities such as a cleft lip.
Flowers planted are brighter and more colorful
Not all of these myths and superstitions have to spell out doom for those involved. In Italy, it is believed that flowers planted during an eclipse will be brighter than flowers planted during any other time of the year.
How many of these do you believe in? Are there any myths, legends, or superstitions about solar eclipses that we've missed? What about myths for a lunar eclipse? Do the superstitions vary depending on the type of eclipse? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and keep an eye on the skies on August 21!
