Shrouding the light

FARZANA SHAKIR on a cultural perspective on solar eclipses

The eyes of the world were on our backyard on November 14, as Australia’s Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region was honoured with being the only place on earth to experience the full magnificence of one of the most spectacular astronomical phenomenon of the year. From 5.45am to 7.40am on that Wednesday, the moon started to cover the sun, resembling a small bite which slowly increased in size to finally cover the entire sun, plunging the area into total darkness for 2 minutes. The eclipse was seen for up to 140 kms, and witnesses report that the stars were clearly visible in the sky at that time. Tens of thousands of people, both locals and tourists who gathered to soak in the spectacular sight recount feeling goosebumps and chills. Time seemed to stand still as if in reverence to this phenomenon. All went eerily quiet, the wind stopped, the temperature dropped, the water stood still like a sheet of glass and birds that were earlier seen circling the waters, sat quietly in trees. All activity of nature ceased, including the early chatter of birds and animals.

It was the first total solar eclipse in Australia in a decade and the last until 2028. While partial solar eclipses are fairly common occurring up to 5 times a year, a total solar eclipse at any particular location is a truly rare, once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. Going by data, far north Queensland will not experience another one for more than 200 years.

In ancient times a solar eclipse was synonymous with doom, and was considered a bad omen. The sun was revered in ancient cultures as a life-giving source, so something that could cast a shadow on this powerful entity was interpreted as a sign of foreboding. Indeed there has been ample evidence of calamities ranging from wars to floods, disease, political unrest and individual misfortunes coinciding with or around solar eclipses to endorse these beliefs. It is interesting to note how different cultures and religions interpret and react to eclipses.

India

Many Hindus fast during the solar eclipse. They take baths, purify themselves and chant mantras. Performing these acts and taking a dip in the sacred rivers is considered highly auspicious. Food is neither cooked nor eaten by many during the eclipse, in the belief that the germ count increases at this time as the sun’s rays do not reach the earth. Pregnant women are especially discouraged from venturing outside during the solar eclipse. They also refrain from tasks such as sewing, using scissors and knives believing if they did the child would be born with some deformity. The solar eclipse is said to be a fight between the sun and the demon Rahu, so praying and chanting mantras is highly recommended as it aids the sun in fighting the demon which is trying to devour it.

A young couple on honeymoon were part of a group of visiting Indian tourists who flew in a fleet of 11 hot air balloons at dawn this Diwali to view the Cairns Total Solar Eclipse.

China

According to ancient Chinese beliefs, solar eclipses occurred when a legendary celestial dragon attacked the sun with the aim of eating it. The same dragon was thought to be attacking the moon during lunar eclipses. Traditionally the Chinese beat drums and banged pots and pans to create a din to scare away the dragon.

Ancient Chinese astrologers were very advanced in predicting natural phenomena, and total solar eclipses were considered a major element in predicting the future heath and success of the reigning emperor.

Thailand

Thais believe that the sun and the moon are the brothers of Rahu, the God of Darkness who, from time to time, swallows them up causing the solar and lunar eclipses, before throwing them out again. Believers buy lucky objects and beat drums to ward off evil. Since black is the colour of Rahu and the number eight is associated with him, devotees offer him eight black items like black chicken, black rice, black liquor, black joss sticks, black eggs and pudding during solar eclipses to ward off bad luck associated with his attempt to swallow the sun. Worshippers pay homage to the God of Darkness and seek his help to repel bad luck.

Indigenous Australians

Most Aboriginal cultures believe in a female sun and a male moon. The Sun woman is said to light a small fire each morning which we witness as dawn. She decorates herself with red ochre creating red sunrises. Next she lights a torch and makes her way across the sky from east to west carrying her torch to make daylight. During the solar eclipse, the Sun woman is hidden by the Moon man as he is said to be making love to her and during the lunar eclipse the moon is running away from the Sun woman as she pursues him. So in many indigenous cultures a solar eclipse is considered a romantic event which people actually look forward to, as it is said to bring divine blessings.

Greece

The word ‘eclipse’ means ‘abandonment’ in Greek because it was seen as the sun abandoning the earth. The ancient Greeks interpreted the eclipse to be a sign of angry gods and bad omens. Greek astronomers were way ahead of their time in predicting natural phenomenon, understanding and explaining eclipses and making accurate scientific observations.

Arabia

In Islam, the sun and moon are both associated with Allah’s reverence. Muslims believe that everything in the heaven and earth is created and sustained by Allah. A solar eclipse is interpreted as a sign to the believers from Allah to seek forgiveness for their sins and to remember the Day of Judgement. Special congregational prayers are offered at this time as a reminder that Allah alone has power over everything.

Special precautions were urged for those who witnessed the total solar eclipse first hand. Proper protection was necessary to avoid injury to the retina and the skin. It was a truly unique and remarkable experience the memories of which will last a lifetime.

Tens of thousands of people, both locals and tourists who gathered to soak in the spectacular sight recount feeling goosebumps and chills

In eclipse

The discovery that starfruit can be used in a variety of dishes beyond chaat, has been a delightful one