A lunar eclipse occurs when the earth, the moon and the sun aligns in an almost straight line. In 2020 we will get to see a total of four penumbral lunar eclipses, out of which the first one took place between January 10 to January 11 as the Pink Moon. Today, the Earth will witness a lunar eclipse also known as Strawberry moon as it is occurring in June at 11.15 PM IST till June 6, 02.34 AM IST. The total duration of the second penumbral lunar eclipses of 2020 is likely to be 3 hours and 18 minutes.
Lunar Eclipse has fascinated cultures across the globe and inspired several striking myths and legends.
In this episode, we are going to share with you some myths around the world regarding a lunar eclipse:
- According to some superstitions, if a person gets any cut on his/her body during the time of lunar eclipse then the blood doesn’t stop flowing easily and the scar remains forever. To avoid this injury, people prefer staying at home and not going out for work. Although, there is no proof of this superstition as scars depend on the health of the person and not the moon.
- In India, Chandra Grahan is regarded as a bad omen by many cultures. Many consider it bad even for pregnant women. According to them, watching lunar eclipse may cause one to give birth to a deformed baby. Therefore, a pregnant lady is advised to stay safe at home.
- Mesopotamian people believed that the Moon was being attacked during a total lunar eclipse. They also believed that their king might be assaulted as well. These ancient peoples were able to predict the Moon’s phases and the natural pattern of when a total lunar eclipse might occur, so during a total lunar eclipse, they would protect their king by hiding him and installing a substitute ruler during this time.
- Some people believe that perceiving a lunar eclipse through naked eyes can kill the sight of an individual. According to science, an eyesight has no danger will perceiving a lunar eclipse. However, a solar eclipse shall never be perceived through naked eyes.
- The Native American Hupa and Luiseño tribes from California believed that the moon was wounded or ill. After the eclipse, the moon would need healing, either by the moon’s wives or by tribesmen. The Luiseño tribe would sing and chant healing songs towards the lunar eclipse.
