Masuk Free Press

On Apr. 8, 2024, a solar eclipse will be visible in select parts of North America. Today, we know the science behind it — the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, temporarily casting a shadow over Earth and blocking our view of the star. We know solar eclipses cannot harm us. 

But, without this knowledge in the past, myths and superstitions thrived around the topic of solar eclipses. Many cultures had their own idea of what happens during an eclipse and what you should avoid, all which are fascinating displays of human creativity. A large amount of these ideas still linger today. 

“I heard about getting sun poisoning from [the solar eclipse] if you look at it too long,” junior Aubrey Zvovushe-Ramos mentioned. 

These superstitions have festered to such an extent that NASA published an article discussing these misconceptions and assuring their falsity. No, seeing a solar eclipse will not hurt your baby. No, the eclipse will not poison your food. But where did these ideas come from?

“I don’t believe them, but I see how people could have hundreds of years ago,” Zvovushe-Ramos said. “Like, if you don’t know any science and then suddenly see the sun disappear, it’s probably kind of terrifying.”

Many ancient civilizations viewed solar eclipses as omens of impending doom. For example, in Mesopotamia, the eclipse was often interpreted as a sign of divine displeasure or the impending death of a ruler. This paranoia surrounding eclipses continues to this day. 

“I saw a TikTok about the rumors and stuff about the eclipse,” said junior Rebecca Frate. “It was talking about how they weren’t true, but I think there were comments of people saying, like, that they believed it and had proof.”

In NASA’s article about eclipse superstitions, they mention the topic of ‘confirmation bias’. This is basically the brain’s tendency to interpret events in a way that confirms our preexisting beliefs or theories. For instance, if your car breaks down during the solar eclipse, you will be tempted to make a connection between the two events. If your car broke down on any other day, it would be an unfortunate, but not abnormal, issue. In that sense, a few coincidences can very easily lead to a widespread superstition.

On the other hand, many astrologists believe that solar eclipses are a positive thing. The main theory surrounding them is that they symbolize change and new beginnings. 

“It’s related to science,” senior Harper Mason, who is interested in astrology, commented. “The world around us holds a heavy influence over our lives, so it makes sense that the solar eclipse would too, being such a big event.”

Sites such as Almanac even discuss what the upcoming solar eclipse signifies for each of the Zodiac signs. 

“I see solar eclipses like a reset,” Mason said. “It’s about a fresh start for everyone, a break from our routine.”

Not dissimilarly, the Mayans saw eclipses as a time of cosmic conflict between light and darkness. They performed rituals to ensure the sun’s eventual victory and the continuation of life on Earth. 

This idea of conflict remains prevalent in many other cultures as well.

Ancient Egyptians believed that the sun god Ra was being attacked by a serpent during an eclipse, leading to rituals and prayers to protect the sun and ensure its safe return. Chinese cultures had a very similar idea —  a dragon or celestial dog was devouring the sun during an eclipse. This led to the practice of banging drums and pots throughout the eclipse to drive away the mythical beast.

As for the origin of solar eclipses harming children and pregnant women, there are various different beliefs. In India, one common belief dictates that harmful rays emitted during an eclipse can affect pregnant women and their unborn babies. As a result, expectant mothers are often advised to remain indoors, abstain from consuming food and engage in protective rituals during the eclipse. This idea of harmful rays inspired the superstition that you should not eat or prepare food during a solar eclipse because the rays will poison your food. 

Additionally, Aztecs believed that lunar eclipses were results of a bite being taken out of the moon. This developed into a Mexican superstition: pregnant women should not view eclipses, or a bite will be taken out of their unborn child’s face. 

In Western cultures, while scientific understanding has largely dispelled superstitions surrounding eclipses, echoes of ancient beliefs still shine through. The idea of the “eclipse curse”, for instance, persists in some communities, with people believing that solar eclipses bring misfortune or chaos. In literature and cinema, like Avatar: The Way Of Water, eclipses are often portrayed as ominous symbols of impending doom or supernatural events, adding to their suspense and allure.

It is important to mention, however, that solar eclipses can still cause some harm.

“I’ve heard about you going blind if you look at the eclipse too long,” Frate mentioned.

While this may not be completely true, direct eye contact with the sun could potentially damage someone’s eyes because of the powerful light. It is very important to use protective sunglasses when viewing a solar eclipse. If that precaution is taken, the solar eclipse will do you no harm.

Despite the diversity of beliefs and superstitions surrounding solar eclipses, one thing remains constant: the awe inspired by this celestial event. Whether viewed as a divine omen, a scientific marvel or just a breathtaking display of nature, solar eclipses continue to captivate and intrigue people around the world.