Article by Jenica Amalita
Announcements on upcoming eclipses, whether solar or lunar, are usually accompanied by groups of people gathering excitedly in open grounds or meeting at observatories where they can witness the grand phenomenon of a celestial body slowly disappearing into darkness before gloriously reappearing again.
However, this has not always been the case. Especially with the solar eclipse. Marked by day being reduced to darkness and a sudden dip in temperatures, eclipses were traditionally viewed as evil omens and signs of danger. While they resulted in the same function of people gathering together, the purpose was not to indulge scientific curiosity but to prevent social disarray and subdue divine wrath.
We know that multiple cultures have explained this common occurrence very differently because of the rich trove of folklore that has preserved reactions to the eclipse. Their folktales and rituals point to a variety of superstitions and myths that have helped in the creation of distinct social identities of these groups, turning collective horror and despair into moments of solidarity and historical continuity.
A common practice in Ancient Egypt during solar eclipses was for the Pharaoh to circle the temple of Osiris, the god of the underworld and resurrection, until the sun reappeared. This was because the Pharaoh was considered the descendant of the sun, and so, when the sun had “died”, the Pharaoh would petition the god of the underworld to return the sun to the land of the living and restore order to all life. This belief pointed to the burden placed on the ruler to care for his subjects and ensure their wellbeing.
On the other hand, lunar eclipses in Ancient Rome were marked by people screaming at demons that covered up the moon in a bid to chase them away. Similarly, in Ancient China, it was believed that the sun was eaten by a dragon, which had to be frightened away by banging drums and making other loud noises.
While seen as ominous events, they also marked the coming together of a collective who believed their united effort could successfully deter supernatural forces.
Traditional Indian society viewed the sun as the source of all life, and so, the solar eclipse marked a halting of all activity- even routine activities like eating and praying. The end of the eclipse also required a cleansing of the self through bathing, especially in holy rivers like the Ganga. These practices, ironically, have developed despite Aryabhata providing a scientific rationale for the eclipse.
The most common legend which points out this notion of purity and uncleanness is that of the demon Rahu stealing the elixir of life after the gods hid it away from the demons. The sun and moon revealed his identity to Vishnu, resulting in his hands being cut off. Rahu became immortal, and so, despite attempts to kill him, he always survived. So, the gods only punished him and let him off. However, since his punishment involved his hands being cut off, the sun and moon always escape, leading to a constant cycle of eclipses.
Another legend narrates how Shiva took the form of the sun to be with a princess. However, a misunderstanding leads to his cursing and abandoning her, without realizing she is with child. Years later, after he is reunited with his son, he allows himself to be bitten by a snake in order to protect his child. In this folktale, there is a convergence of divine protection and paternal care, where the natural order can be subverted as long as loved ones can be taken care of.
The Tale of Four Suns also offers a different narrative to why eclipses occur. According to this folktale, there used to be four suns in the sky, making life unbearable for humanity. In order to counter this, eight men and two dogs were sent to destroy three suns. Once they had successfully done so, one of the dogs was left behind to protect the remaining sun and remind it of its duty to shine whenever the grief of its lost brothers makes it pale. The dog, thus, occasionally bites the sun, which is what causes an eclipse.
In Eclipse Call, we see how a rooster was made the chief of all creation since he called the sun out in the morning and the moon in the evening. As time passed and conflicts arose between man and nature, the rooster was angered and so, he confused the sun and moon, making both of them appear at once – causing an eclipse. Since then, every time the rooster is angered, he causes eclipses. Through this tale, we are reminded of the need for peace and harmony, both within society and the natural order.
Folklore has always offered a space for us to explore our innate need to be able to explain various phenomena. These tales and practices remind us of the coexistence of fear and curiosity, and of reason and faith, which has led to the multiplicity of views surrounding the eclipse.