Superstitions about eclipses in the name of science.

Living in 21st century, I'm not sure if the myth is 'flying cars' or beliefs that make people practice superstitions blindly. There are many myths about the Moon and lunar eclipse in some part of the world, even in the era of science and technology. Do you know which are those? Do you even know what is truth? Or are you sold for those myths in the name of science? The first lunar eclipse in 2018 that happened on 31st January made me write this blog. let's learn about these myths and reality. First of all, Let's understand what eclipse is.

Lunar Eclipse :

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Lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth and Moon are aligned. Earth comes in between Moon and Sun, therefore, earth's shadow falls on the Moon making a part of the moon shadowy. After some time it completely covers the Moon. And after certain period of time the Moon comes out of this shadow.

Solar Eclipse :

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Solar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon and Earth are aligned. Moon comes in between the Sun and the Earth. Shadow of the moon falls on the Earth and people in the shadow can see the solar eclipse.

Superstitions :

In ancient era, people did not know the truth behind the eclipses. Moreover, they came up with the stories and myths. Some considered it as dangerous and some considered it as a bad omen . Let's see what are those stories all over the world.

Tibet :
Tibetan Buddhists believed that, whatever deeds you do, be it good or bad, during the period of eclipse, is multiplied many times. so, be carefull about what you do.

South Africa :
South african believe that, during the period of eclipse, the Sun and Moon fight and its people's job to come toghether and encourage them to resolve their quarrel.

America :
Native American tribes believe that moon controls and regulates the Earth. That's why, lunar eclipse is a sign of transformation that's going to happen on the Earth.

Christopher Columbus and the lunar eclipse :

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On 20th June 1503, when Christopher Columbus landed near the north coast of Jamaica, natives welcomed Columbus and his crew. Initially they provided them food and other supplies. But it didn't last long. Columbus' crew started stealing and raiding villages. So, natives had to decide to stop the supplies. To resolve this problem Columbus had a plan. By using local clocks and astronomical tables he predicted the lunar eclipse. He accurately predicted date and time of the eclipse i.e. 29 February 1504. Taking advantage of his knowledge, he called a meeting with the nearby tribes' chiefs and told them that his God was angry with them for terminating the food supplies. And God would show his anger by taking their Moon away. Everything happened as he said. So, he went in his cabin to pray and shortly before the moon emerged he came back and told them that he had asked his god to forgive them and God had accepted their apology. Columbus did this to look God-like and he succeeded. The Moon began to appear again and people got convinced. Columbus and his crew started getting food and other supplies again until they left.

India :

Basically, I'm from India, that's why I know more things that people believe here. Some superstitious people believe that eating food or drinking water during eclipses causes food poisoning or indigestion. They believe food spoils faster during this period because cycle of the Moon phases that occur in 28 days ocuurs in 2-3 hours.

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Most popular myth is about pregnant women. It is believed that pregnant women should not go outside their home. Plus, they should not eat or drink during the eclipse as the Moon curses the unborn child. Also, they should take a rest for the entire day and do nothing. Literally nothing. If they do something, that will affect the unborn child. Like, if they touch the knife the child will born with broken lips or broken nose. If they scratch on their body their child will born with some kind of birth mark. Even they should not go to toilet either. Well, these are the superstitions people follow. But some people even make misinterpretations about these superstitions and they don't give food or water to a pregnant lady all day long. I mean what kind of punishment is that?

Some people spread the myths in the name of science. They say when the Moon is in Earth's shadow or during the period of lunar eclipse, You should not eat or drink as it becomes poison as food spoils faster during the period of eclipse because the process of the phases of the Moon occurs in very short period i.e. 2-3 hours that should be of 28 days. And in this period there happens a chemical reaction that makes food in our stomach a poison. But they never tell what kind of chemical reaction. Just by using scientific terms in your statement doesn't make it truth. Keep that in mind.

Misconception about the phases of the moon and the eclipse.

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There's misconception that phases of the Moon are caused by the shadow of the Earth. Let me tell you, there's difference between lunar eclipse and the phases of the Moon. When sunlight falls on moon it falls on one side of it like it happens on the Earth. One side lit at a time results in daytime and at the other side it is night time (again, 'lit' is not to be mistaken with fire). When lit side of the Moon is completely pointed towards the Earth we see full Moon. And when it is opposite we see no Moon at all. Above image explains it all. And I have already explained how eclipses occur.

References :
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_eclipse
https://www.farmersalmanac.com/astronomy/2018/01/19/lunar-eclipse-superstitions/
http://www.morehead.unc.edu/Shows/EMS/moon_phases_and_eclipses.htm
http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2012/02/this-day-in-history-christopher-columbus-tricks-native-jamaicans-into-giving-him-supplies-by-using-his-knowledge-of-an-upcomming-lunar-eclipse/

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