The Solar Eclipse-- Myths and Superstitions

Eons ago, whenever there was a solar eclipse, people believed that something had either gone wrong with the sun or their sins had led to this punishment. 

The sun was their main source of light. Electricity hadn’t been discovered yet and humans relied on the light of the sun to discover the world around them, and grow food. 

So when a solar eclipse occurred, it threw fear into the hearts of people. They were being punished or attacked. The uncertainty of the situation led them to believe in all sorts of superstitions. Luckily, solar eclipses don’t last too long, and so when the sun reappeared again, everyone thought that the danger had passed. But whatever they were doing prior to the eclipse had led to this event and they certainly couldn’t let that happen again. 

And so was the birth of superstitions regarding solar eclipses. 

In some mythologies, it is the demon’s head that is floating in the sky. The demon, still alive, tries to devour the sun but because he has no throat and body, it keeps coming out of him. 

In other cultures, it is believed that demons and dragons have risen to consume the source of light that can render humans defenseless, and so loud noises are created to drive them away. People chant loudly and beat drums until the sun reappear again. 

And then there are some who shoot flaming arrows at the sun during an eclipse, hoping to kill or drive away whatever demon is trying to consume the sun. In some cases, people believed that it is their flaming arrows that have reignited the sun. 

Perhaps the most interesting belief is that of the The Ch’orti’, indigenous Mayas. They believe that should a solar eclipse last for more than a day, then the spirits of the dead will awaken and feed on every single person on earth. 

Pretty creepy, isn’t it?  

Imagine if it were true. There would be a horde of zombie-like entities roving around trying to eat us. 

But this would happen only if the solar eclipse lasts for more than a day, and eclipses usually last for a little more than seven minutes. So far so good. We don’t have to worry about being fed on by spirits and zombies just yet. 

The fear of eclipses still looms, however. Today, people may not believe that a dragon is devouring a sun, but they still associate the solar eclipse as an event that is ominous. 

Superstitions that have been ingrained in some people over the years, dictate how they must behave during an eclipse. Pregnant women are told to stay indoors. Food cooked during an eclipse is usually thrown out. A full bath must be taken after the eclipse to wash away the negative effects. 

Regardless of the myths, a solar eclipse is still considered an event that must be advertised and talked about. 

It’s not like the sun is hiding behind clouds and it’s raining. It is the moon passing between the sun and earth and for a few minutes at least, there is going to be darkness. 

So far there hasn’t been a record of solar eclipses on Halloween but there have been a few over the years, that have fallen on Friday the 13th. 

Horror fans beware!