Stay in? Wear Red? What Some Cultures Believe About The Solar Eclipse

Some beliefs surrounding the solar eclipse are rooted in mythology and religion. When I mentioned the solar eclipse to my Sri Lankan Muslim father, he advised me not to go into the office. Instead, he reminded me to say a special prayer at the time of the eclipse.

Turns out, he isn’t the only one that has certain beliefs surrounding eclipses.

In the Hindu faith, solar eclipses are considered a bad omen and some people observe a fast before and during the eclipse, waiting to eat after it has passed. In Vedic astronomy, people believe that during an eclipse, a shadow planet swallows the sun. So as the moon covers the sun, believers head indoors to chant prayers.

The ancient Chinese believed that solar eclipses occur when a celestial dragon attacks the sun. To ward off the dragons, people create a loud ruckus.

For some Mexicans, wearing red is believed to ward off evil spirits. Those that are pregnant, are encouraged to wear a red ribbon attached with a safety pin near the belly button that prevents the baby from developing a cleft lip. Others wear red underwear.

Some even protect their animals:

As the moon covers the sun, some people engage in increased prayer or reflect on how the eclipse is a sign of how fleeting hardships are.

For Muslims, a solar eclipse is a warning sign from God and they pray Salat al-Kusuf during the entire duration of the eclipse. Mosques will also feature the imam giving a short reflective sermon after the prayer, aimed at dispelling misconceptions about the occurrence.

However you chose to observe the solar eclipse, whether you traveled to Texas like my colleague Jacob Margolis, or you're hiding under the covers until the phenomenon passes, a Latina friend on Instagram recommended sweeping floors after the eclipse. You know, to get rid of that energy.