Last night’s lunar eclipse would have been a treat if it weren’t for those darn clouds bidding that rain would fall later last night. The only thing I witnessed from the event is the sky’s stunning shade of ocher, a trivial sight compared to actually seeing the earth’s shadow over the moon creating the lunar eclipse.
As my sisters and I were discussing the natural phenomena that’s happening over dinner, our maid couldn’t help but contribute her fair share of beliefs on the what and whys of the eclipse. “Eclip-se” as she would call it.
Philippines has been known for being superstitious and Emily, our maid, is a good example. She explained in a as-a-matter-of-fact tone that a monster is trying to eat the sun whenever an “eclip-se” happens. Certain prayers and such need to be said in order for the monster to leave the sun alone.
Emily also shared that during lunar eclipse, a pregnant woman’s fate awaits her. It is said that it is not good for pregnant women walking outside wherein the ocher sky can cast a dreadful fate of the child in her womb. Babies are usually delivered deformed or even dead.
My sister playfully announced that she should not go out since she may be pregnant. F.I.Y - My sister has a over bulging tummy despite the constant sit-ups it still protrudes as though its carrying a life inside.
Emily also added that during a lunar eclipse, snakes go out of their holes to watch the “eclip-se”.
You might find it amusing, as much as I do, but then this is just a her way of explaining, of what I might consider, quite unexplainable to her at the moment. We humans are noted to make up theories of what we can’t explain, of what we don’t know. Take our origin for example. There are several theories explaining where we humans really come from.
As for Emily, my other sister took the liberty of explaining the scientific reason as to why an eclipse happens.
Do you have your share of eclipse beliefs?
Undeniable Wisecracks