Eclipse folklore: A look at stories from around the world
There are many different stories and mythologies about solar eclipses.
A solar eclipse is a rare phenomenon that occurs when the moon eclipses the sun. As the moon orbits the Earth, it occasionally comes in between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun's light from reaching us.
But long before science could explain what was happening when the sun disappeared, many cultures worldwide had their own beliefs about what was happening.
DON'T MISS: Everything you need to know for April's spectacular and rare solar eclipse
The word "eclipse" comes from a Greek word that means abandonment. The ancient Greeks believed that demons had swallowed the sun, which would mean their king would fall.
In ancient China, people held a similar belief, but instead of demons, it was actually a dragon eating the sun.
In Transylvania, people thought that this was a sign of the sun turning its back on the sins of people.
However, not all cultures believed an eclipse was a threat.
The Tlingit tribes of North America believed an eclipse meant the sun and moon were coupling and would have more children, also known as stars.
DON'T MISS: Everything you need to know for April's spectacular and rare solar eclipse
The people of Togo in Africa believed an eclipse meant the sun and moon were fighting and would actually use this as an opportunity to resolve their own issues.
In ancient Persia, they believed it was a trickster pari playing a joke and blotting out the sun for fun
And while these are all just folklore, there are still some superstitions to this day associated with a solar eclipse. Pregnant women are sometimes warned to stay inside, for example.
In Italy, it's believed flowers planted during a solar eclipse grow to be more colourful. Whatever you believe, one thing is true, a solar eclipse is still a captivating moment to witness. Just remember: you should never look directly at a solar eclipse because it can damage your eyes.
