Why Do Certain Customs Hold Off Till After An Eclipse?

Eclipse rituals are ceremonial practices performed by various cultures in response to solar or lunar eclipses, often believed to be significant cosmic events with spiritual or religious significance. For centuries, these celestial events have been observed as a time of mourning rather than celebration. In the Navajo Nation, these celestial events are observed as a time of mourning rather than celebration.

Eclipses were caused by celestial serpents attacking luminaries, threatening mankind with darkness and the transformation of men into hairy beings. Hindus ritually bathe to cleanse themselves during the first and final phases of an eclipse, offering prayers to ancestors. Most temples are closed for the duration of the eclipse.

In other cultures, such as Cherokee, Shawnee, and Shoshone-Bannock, the traditions and beliefs marking an eclipse reveal close connections to the planets. Hindus take a head bath before and after the eclipse to get rid of impurity. Members of the Navajo Nation traditionally treat the solar eclipse as a sacred time to stay inside and quietly meditate.

Eclipse rituals can involve lightening up, as seen in Hinduism and ancient Chinese beliefs. Some fast or create a ruckus, while others view it as an act of abandonment, a terrible crisis, and an existential threat.

In summary, eclipses are observed differently across different cultures and religions, with some taking time to meditate and reflect on the universe, while others engage in rituals to ward off negative energies.

What religion doesn’t like eclipses?

Hindus view solar or lunar eclipses as bad omens, leading to fasts, eating restrictions, ritual bathing, and prayers to ancestors. Temples are closed during the eclipse, and devotees gather for prayers near holy rivers. In Islam, a solar eclipse is a time to turn to God and pray, based on narrations of Prophet Muhammad’s sayings and actions. Kaiser Aslam, Muslim chaplain at Rutgers University, cites one narration citing the prophet’s statement that the sun and moon are two signs of Allah, and they do not eclipse due to the death of someone. When seeing eclipses, Muslims pray and invoke Allah.

Why do Muslims pray during an eclipse?

The eclipse prayer, though not obligatory, is recommended by the Sunnah and is typically observed by Muslims during an eclipse, often in groups led by an imam. This practice serves as a reminder of God’s greatness, in accordance with the teachings of Prophet Mohammed.

What does a solar eclipse mean in Wicca?

Wiccans, pagans, and Druids worldwide view 2024’s solar eclipse as a powerful source of energy for personal transformation and healing. Despite traditionally viewing it as a bad omen, many believe it can be harnessed for positive change. Alexa Branco, owner of The Bruja’s Tomb, an online metaphysical store, believes the solar eclipse will be particularly beneficial for healing pasts and awakening the fire within. A solar eclipse occurs only during a new moon, representing a new beginning for witches.

What is the Korean eclipse myth?

Bulgae, or pulgae, are mythical fire dogs in Korean mythology who come from the kingdom of darkness and chase the Sun and Moon, causing eclipses when they bite both celestial bodies. These fierce dogs, likely the indigenous Korean dog breed sapsari, are responsible for the eclipse phenomenon.

According to the Hangug-ui seolwo (Folk Myths from Korea), the king of Gamangnara was concerned with the darkness and desired the light of the Sun and Moon for his kingdom. He sent one of the giant fiery hounds, the Bulgae, to chase the Sun and bring it to his realm. However, the Sun was too hot, making the dog unable to hold onto it. The king was angry since he could not have the Sun.

In another attempt to get rid of the darkness, the king sent another more ruthless dog to steal the Moon. When the Moon was so cold, the dog’s mouth was icy and frozen, causing the Bulgae to drop the Moon from its mouth. The king continued sending fiercer dogs, but none were able to collect the Sun and Moon.

The Korean eclipse belief states that during a solar or lunar eclipse, the dark sections are the parts where the dogs bite. After the eclipses are over, the dogs give up and run back to Gamangnara.

Is an eclipse a good or bad omen?

The darkening of the Sun or Moon during an eclipse is a significant event in history, often seen as a disruption of the natural order. Many ancient peoples had spiritual explanations for these events to help them understand the seemingly inexplicable and random phenomena. In ancient China, it was believed that solar eclipses occurred when a celestial dragon attacked and devoured the Sun. To frighten away the dragon and save the Sun, people would bang drums and make loud noises during an eclipse. However, ancient Chinese were not particularly concerned with lunar eclipses, and one text from around 90 BCE dismisses them as “a common matter”.

In ancient Hindu mythology, a cunning demon named Rahu sought immortality by drinking the nectar of the gods. He was disguised as a woman and was discovered by Vishnu. As punishment, Rahu was beheaded, and his decapitated head darkened the Sun during an eclipse. Some versions suggest that Rahu was able to steal a sip of the nectar but was beheaded before it reached his body. His immortal head, in perpetual pursuit of the Sun, sometimes catches and swallows it, but the Sun quickly reappears.

What is the Japanese myth about the eclipse?

In accordance with the tenets of the Shinto religion, which holds that poisonous substances are believed to spread during a solar eclipse, wells were closed during such an event to prevent the contamination of the water supply.

What is the Chinese myth about eclipses?

Ancient China believed solar and lunar eclipses were heavenly signs that predicted the future of the Emperor. Solar eclipses occurred when a celestial dragon devoured the sun, while lunar eclipses were triggered by the dragon attacking the Moon. The term for eclipse was “shi”, which also means “to eat”. To frighten the dragon, the Chinese would bang drums and make loud noises during eclipses. Emperor Chung K’ang learned of an eclipse when his subjects tried to drive away the dragon. However, the Emperor’s court astronomers, Hsi and Ho, were beheaded for failing to predict the event. The Babylonian Solar Eclipse Tablet lists eclipses between 518 and 465 BC.

What does an eclipse mean spiritually?

Lunar eclipses are considered a spiritual time in astrology, as they reveal our deep emotional tides and subconscious patterns. Astrologists believe that these eclipses are life-changing times to seek change and evolve. The energy potential of a lunar eclipse is at its peak during a total eclipse, making it an opportunity to cleanse our emotional waters and release deep-seated wounds. This period is also a time to embrace changes, as ending ties with people and things is inevitable and necessary as we grow.

Embracing changes may not be negative, as cutting off sources of negativity can help clear emotional space for new items and clearing the mind for unique opportunities. The wisdom and maturity gained in previous cycles can be anchored in a lunar eclipse, as it helps us clear our mind and embrace new opportunities. Overall, lunar eclipses are a powerful time to let go of old habits and embrace new opportunities.

What does the Bible say about an eclipse?

Isaiah 13:10 and Ezekiel 32:7 prophesy that the stars of heaven and their constellations will be darkened, and the rising sun and moon will not give their light. Joel 2:10 and 2:31 in the book of Joel describe the earth shaking, the sky trembling, the sun and moon being darkened, and the stars no longer shining. In Choctaw culture, the sun is considered to bring life and good fortune, and when solar eclipses occur, some communities believe that great black squirrels in the sky are devouring the sun, and they are called to make noise to frighten them away.

Eclipses in Islam offer an occasion to pray, as Prophet Muhammad’s son Ibrahim died during a solar eclipse during his lifetime. The Choctaw Nation newspaper Biskinik highlighted the significance of solar eclipses in Choctaw culture, as they were seen as a way to bring good fortune and life.

What did pagans believe about eclipses?

Ancient pagan societies viewed eclipses with awe and often interpreted them as powerful omens, influenced by gods and impacting both the natural world and human affairs. Some cultures believed eclipses would bring significant changes or disasters, leading to apprehension and protective rituals. The rarity and dramatic nature of eclipses contributed to their mystical and sometimes ominous perception. Eclipse-related rituals and myths were common in pagan traditions to interpret or mitigate the perceived effects, often involving propitiatory rites, offerings, or ceremonies.

What do the Slavs believe about solar eclipses?

In Slavic culture, the serpent was regarded as a symbol of immortality. However, its demise was believed to occur within the egg, and solar eclipses were considered a harbinger of the end of the world.