Eclipse Mythology, Traditions, and Folklore

April 9th, 2024 by

1. Chinese Mythology – The Dragon Swallows the Sun: In ancient China, people believed that a solar eclipse occurred when a dragon devoured the sun. To scare away the dragon and bring back the sun, they would make loud noises like banging drums and pots.

2. Norse Mythology – The Wolves Skoll and Hati: Norse mythology tells of two wolves, Skoll and Hati, who chase the sun and moon. During an eclipse, it was believed that one of these wolves had caught their celestial prey, causing the eclipse.

3. Korean Mythology – The Sun Eaten by Dogs: In Korea, there is a myth that a solar eclipse happens when celestial dogs, Gui-ryong and Ba-ryong, bite the sun. To prevent this, people would make noise and shoot arrows into the sky to drive away the dogs.

4. Ancient Greek Mythology – The Angry Gods: Ancient Greeks believed that a solar eclipse was a sign of angry gods or a forewarning of disaster. They would offer prayers and sacrifices during eclipses to appease the gods.

5. Aztec Mythology – The Sun Battle: The Aztecs believed that a solar eclipse was a battle between the sun and the moon. They would perform rituals and sacrifices to ensure the sun’s victory and return.

6. Hindu Mythology – The Demon Rahu: In Hindu mythology, there is a story about the demon Rahu. It is said that Rahu once disguised himself as a god to taste the divine nectar. When his deception was revealed, Vishnu beheaded him. However, Rahu’s head became immortal and is believed to swallow the sun during solar eclipses. In Hindu culture, people fast and perform rituals during eclipses to protect themselves from Rahu’s influence.

7. Maya Mythology – The Jaguar Eclipse: The ancient Maya believed that during a solar eclipse, a jaguar would consume the sun. They saw this as a time of darkness and chaos and performed ceremonies to ensure the sun’s return.

8. Native American Mythology – The Bear Who Swallowed the Sun: Some Native American tribes, like the Pomo people of California, believed that a bear caused solar eclipses by swallowing the sun. To end the eclipse, they would shout and make noise to scare the bear away.

9. Japanese Mythology – Amaterasu’s Return: In Japanese mythology, the sun goddess Amaterasu once hid in a cave, causing darkness across the world. The other gods lured her out by holding a mirror outside the cave, and she returned, bringing light back to the world. During eclipses, people would bang drums and create noise to mimic this event and encourage the sun to reappear.

10. Mesoamerican Mythology – The Serpent Devours the Sun: Among the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures, there was a belief that a giant serpent, often depicted as a celestial snake called Xiuhcoatl, would devour the sun during an eclipse. Rituals and sacrifices were performed to protect the sun and ensure its return.

11. Vietnamese Mythology – The Frog Eats the Sun: In Vietnamese folklore, there is a story about a giant frog that tries to swallow the sun during an eclipse. People would make loud noises and bang pots to scare the frog away and bring back the sun.

12. Australian Aboriginal Mythology – The Sun Woman and Moon Man: Some Aboriginal Australian tribes have myths about the Sun Woman and Moon Man. During a solar eclipse, it was believed that the Moon Man was trying to catch and marry the Sun Woman, causing temporary darkness. Rituals and dances were performed to help the Sun Woman escape and restore daylight.

13. Roman Mythology – The Temporary Death of the Sun God: In Roman mythology, a solar eclipse was sometimes interpreted as the temporary death or illness of the sun god, Sol. Romans would hold ceremonies and rituals to pray for Sol’s health and return to power.

14. Inuit Mythology – The Sun and Moon Brothers: In Inuit mythology, the sun and moon are believed to be brothers. During a solar eclipse, it was thought that the moon brother was temporarily capturing or overshadowing the sun brother. People would drum and chant to help release the sun and restore balance.

15. Ancient Egyptian Mythology – The Battle of Horus and Seth: In ancient Egypt, a solar eclipse was sometimes associated with the ongoing cosmic battle between the gods Horus (representing the sun) and Seth (representing darkness and chaos). The eclipse was seen as a momentary victory of Seth over Horus, and rituals were performed to aid Horus in regaining his strength and power.

16. Tibetan Mythology – The Sun’s Conquering: Tibetan folklore tells of the sun being temporarily conquered by a demon during a solar eclipse. Monks would chant prayers and perform rituals to help the sun regain its strength and overcome the darkness brought by the demon.

17. Incan Mythology – The Jaguar Warrior: Among the Incas, there was a belief that a jaguar warrior consumed the sun during an eclipse. To prevent this, people would gather and make loud noises to scare away the jaguar and protect the sun.

18. Tongan Mythology – The Sun Eaten by Chief Hikule’o: In Tongan mythology, Chief Hikule’o is said to have devoured the sun during an eclipse. To bring back the sun, people would engage in activities like drumming, chanting, and making noise to awaken Chief Hikule’o and release the sun from his grasp.

19. African Mythology – The Chasing of the Sun: In some African cultures, there are myths about creatures or spirits that chase and temporarily capture the sun during an eclipse. Rituals involving music, dance, and offerings are performed to help release the sun and restore light to the world.

20. Babylonian Mythology – The Divine Warning: In ancient Babylonian mythology, a solar eclipse was seen as a warning or omen from the gods, often interpreted as a sign of impending disaster or the wrath of deities. Priests would perform rituals to seek protection and appease the gods.

21. Maori Mythology – The Love Story of Rona and Marama: Among the Maori people of New Zealand, there is a myth about Rona, a woman who was taken to the moon (Marama) as punishment. During a solar eclipse, it was believed that Rona briefly returns to Earth and covers the sun with her basket, causing darkness. To honor Rona and appease her, rituals and prayers are performed.

22. Peruvian Mythology – The Eclipse as a Reflection of Human Behavior: In Peruvian mythology, a solar eclipse was sometimes seen as a reflection of human behavior. It was believed that during an eclipse, people’s negative actions and thoughts were reflected in the sky, causing temporary darkness. Rituals and purification ceremonies were conducted to restore harmony and balance.

23. Siberian Shamanism – The Celestial Rebirth: In some Siberian shamanic traditions, a solar eclipse symbolizes the celestial rebirth of the sun or moon. Shamans perform rituals to facilitate this renewal process and ensure the continued cycle of light and darkness.

24. Polynesian Mythology – The Battle of Maui and the Sun: In Polynesian mythology, there is a story about the demigod Maui attempting to slow down the sun by lassoing it with ropes to make the days longer. During a solar eclipse, it was believed that Maui’s ropes occasionally slipped, causing temporary darkness. Rituals and offerings were made to Maui to ensure he maintained control over the sun.

25. Burmese Mythology – The Cosmic Naga: In Burmese folklore, a naga (serpent deity) named Rahu is believed to cause solar eclipses by swallowing the sun. To prevent this, people would create loud noises and engage in activities to ward off Rahu and protect the sun.

26. Swedish Mythology – The Wolf Hati Devours the Sun: In Swedish folklore, there is a belief that a wolf named Hati devours the sun during an eclipse. People would bang pots and make noise to frighten Hati away and allow the sun to return.

27. Persian Mythology – The Eclipse as a Time of Reflection: In ancient Persian beliefs, a solar eclipse was seen as a time for reflection and introspection. It was considered an opportunity for individuals to examine their lives, seek forgiveness, and make amends for past wrongdoings.

28. Indonesian Mythology – The Demon Rahu: In Indonesian mythology, the eclipse is often associated with the demon Rahu, who tries to swallow the sun. People would participate in rituals and prayers to protect themselves from Rahu’s influence and ensure the sun’s safe return.

29. Hawaiian Mythology – The Sun Hides in Shame: In Hawaiian mythology, solar eclipses were seen as occasions when the sun hid in shame or sorrow due to some wrongdoing. People would chant and perform rituals to encourage the sun to come out again and restore its brightness.

30. Iranian Mythology – The Eclipse as a Time of Regeneration: In ancient Iranian mythology, a solar eclipse was viewed as a time of regeneration and renewal. It was believed that during the eclipse, the sun undergoes a process of rejuvenation, symbolizing a fresh start and new beginnings.

31. Taino Mythology (Caribbean) – The Sun and Moon’s Dance: Among the Taino people of the Caribbean, there is a myth about the sun and moon engaging in a dance during eclipses. This dance represents the eternal cycle of light and darkness, and people would celebrate this cosmic spectacle through music, dance, and storytelling.

32. Sumerian Mythology – The Temporary Death of Utu: In Sumerian mythology, Utu (also known as Shamash) is the sun god. During a solar eclipse, it was believed that Utu temporarily dies or descends into the underworld. Rituals were performed to aid Utu in his journey and ensure his return to the sky.

33. Nigerian Mythology – The Sun’s Transformation: In some Nigerian myths, a solar eclipse is seen as a moment when the sun undergoes a transformation, symbolizing a shift in cosmic energies. Ceremonies and offerings are made to align with this transformation and harness its spiritual significance.

34. Native American Navajo Mythology – The Coyote and the Sun: In Navajo mythology, there is a story about the trickster figure, Coyote, attempting to capture the sun. During a solar eclipse, it was believed that Coyote’s antics caused temporary darkness. Navajo rituals and chants were performed to ensure the sun’s release and return to the sky.

35. Malagasy Mythology (Madagascar) – The Attack on the Sun: In Malagasy folklore, there is a belief that during a solar eclipse, a mythical creature or evil spirit attacks the sun, causing it to disappear. People would bang drums and make noise to scare away the creature and bring back the sun.

36. Sri Lankan Mythology – The Eclipse as a Time of Reflection: In Sri Lankan culture, a solar eclipse is seen as a time for reflection and introspection. It is believed that during the eclipse, negative energies are amplified, and people use this time to purify themselves through prayers, meditation, and acts of kindness.

37. Finnish Mythology – The Bear Eating the Sun: In Finnish folklore, there is a belief that a celestial bear occasionally eats the sun, leading to a solar eclipse. To help the sun escape from the bear’s grasp, people would shout, make noise, and even shoot arrows into the sky.

38. Amazonian Indigenous Mythology – The Serpent’s Attack: Among some Amazonian indigenous tribes, there is a myth about a giant serpent attacking the sun during an eclipse. Rituals involving music, dance, and offerings are performed to protect the sun and ensure its return.

39. Tibetan Buddhism – The Eclipse as a Time for Meditation: In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, a solar eclipse is seen as an auspicious time for meditation and spiritual practice. It is believed that the heightened cosmic energies during an eclipse can aid in deepening one’s meditation and inner transformation.

40. Indigenous Australian Dreamtime – The Celestial Beings’ Dance: In Aboriginal Dreamtime stories, solar eclipses are often associated with celestial beings such as the Sun Woman or Moon Man engaging in a cosmic dance. This dance represents the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

41. Greek Mythology – The Eclipse as a Warning: In addition to the interpretation of solar eclipses as signs of angry gods, ancient Greeks also viewed them as warnings or omens of impending events. The darkness brought by an eclipse was seen as a message from the heavens.

42. Arabian Mythology – The Dragon’s Attack: In Arabian mythology, there is a belief that a cosmic dragon attacks the sun during a solar eclipse. People would engage in rituals and prayers to protect the sun and ward off the dragon’s influence.

43. Hopi Native American Mythology – The Moon’s Shadow: Among the Hopi people, there is a belief that during a solar eclipse, the moon casts its shadow on the earth, temporarily blocking the sun. This event is seen as a reminder of the interconnectedness of celestial bodies and earthly life.

44. Māori Mythology – The Wharekura and Rangiātea: In Māori mythology, the eclipse is sometimes associated with the celestial meeting place of the gods known as Wharekura or Rangiātea. During an eclipse, it is believed that the gods gather in this sacred space, influencing the earthly realm with their energies.

45. Ancient Persian Mythology – The Battle of Light and Darkness: In ancient Persian mythology, a solar eclipse was often seen as a symbolic battle between light and darkness. The temporary darkness brought by the eclipse represented the forces of darkness trying to overcome light, highlighting the eternal struggle between these opposing forces.

46. Hittite Mythology – The Sun Goddess Arinniti: The Hittites, an ancient Anatolian civilization, revered the sun goddess Arinniti. During a solar eclipse, it was believed that Arinniti temporarily withdrew her light, leading to darkness. Ceremonies and offerings were made to appease the goddess and ensure the sun’s return.

47. Sikh Mythology – The Eclipse as a Call for Prayer: In Sikhism, a solar eclipse is seen as a reminder to engage in prayer and meditation. Sikhs believe that such celestial events serve as opportunities to deepen their spiritual connection and seek guidance from the Divine.


48. Ancient Babylonian Mythology – The Celestial Chaos: Babylonians interpreted solar eclipses as moments of celestial chaos and disruption. They believed that during an eclipse, the normal order of the cosmos was temporarily disrupted, requiring rituals and offerings to restore harmony and balance.

49. Cherokee Mythology – The Daughter of the Sun: According to Cherokee mythology, the sun had a daughter who, during a solar eclipse, would cover her face with a mask. The eclipse was seen as a time of healing and renewal, and ceremonies were held to honor the sun and its daughter.

50. Kazakh Mythology – The Sun and Moon’s Quarrel: In Kazakh folklore, solar eclipses were believed to occur when the sun and moon engaged in a quarrel. People would make loud noises and play musical instruments to reconcile the celestial bodies and restore harmony.

51. Central Asian Turkic Mythology – The Celestial Wolf: Turkic nomads believed that a celestial wolf occasionally attacked and consumed the sun during a solar eclipse. To protect the sun, they would shoot flaming arrows into the sky and chant prayers.

52. Ancient Roman Mythology – The Eclipse as an Ill Omen: While we mentioned Roman mythology earlier, another aspect is that Romans often saw solar eclipses as ominous signs, indicating potential disasters or the displeasure of the gods. They would engage in rituals and offerings to avert calamities.

53. Eskimo (Inuit) Mythology – The Moon’s Husband: In Inuit mythology, there is a story of the moon temporarily covering the sun during an eclipse because she is visiting her husband. The eclipse was seen as a reunion between the celestial couple.

54. Ainu Mythology (Japan) – The Cosmic Bear: In Ainu mythology, there is a belief that a cosmic bear tries to swallow the sun during an eclipse. People would make noise and perform rituals to scare away the bear and protect the sun.

55. Icelandic Mythology – The Sun’s Capture: In Icelandic folklore, a giant named Hati is said to capture the sun during a solar eclipse. People would chant and make noise to help the sun escape from Hati’s grasp and restore daylight.

56. Ancient Mesopotamian Mythology – The Demon’s Attack: Mesopotamians believed that a demon named Labartu attacked the sun during eclipses, causing darkness. Rituals were performed to ward off Labartu and protect the sun.

57. Tibetan Bon Tradition – The Celestial Dance: In the Tibetan Bon tradition, solar eclipses are seen as a celestial dance between the sun and moon deities. Bon practitioners engage in prayers and rituals to honor this cosmic event.

58. Vietnamese Folklore – The Toad’s Swallowing: Some Vietnamese folklore includes a story of a giant toad swallowing the sun during an eclipse. People would beat drums and pots to scare the toad away and bring back the sun.

59. Khmer Mythology (Cambodia) – The Demonic Rahu: In Khmer mythology, a demon named Rahu is believed to swallow the sun during eclipses, causing temporary darkness. People engage in rituals and prayers to protect themselves from Rahu’s influence.

60. Tupi-Guarani Mythology (Brazil) – The Celestial Serpent: Among the Tupi-Guarani people, there is a belief that a celestial serpent causes solar eclipses by devouring the sun. Ceremonies and offerings are made to appease the serpent and restore sunlight.

61. Ancient Egyptian Mythology – The Battle of Ra and Apep: In addition to the battle of Horus and Seth, ancient Egyptians also believed that during a solar eclipse, the sun god Ra fought against the serpent demon Apep. The eclipse was seen as a momentary victory of Apep, and rituals were performed to aid Ra in overcoming the darkness.

62. Fijian Mythology – The Sun’s Temporary Rest: In Fijian folklore, solar eclipses are seen as moments when the sun takes a temporary rest or breaks from its usual journey across the sky. People would engage in festivities and storytelling during this celestial pause.

63. Bambara Mythology (Mali) – The Celestial Animals: Among the Bambara people, there is a belief that celestial animals, such as a lion or leopard, temporarily swallow the sun during eclipses. Rituals involving music, dance, and offerings are performed to help release the sun from these celestial beings.

64. Yoruba Mythology (Nigeria) – The Celestial Rivalry: In Yoruba mythology, solar eclipses were believed to occur when the sun and moon engaged in a rivalry or conflict. People would engage in rituals and prayers to reconcile the celestial bodies and restore harmony.

65. Mongolian Shamanism – The Eclipse as a Cosmic Event: Mongolian shamans saw solar eclipses as powerful cosmic events where celestial energies converged. They would perform rituals to harness this energy for healing, protection, and spiritual growth.

66. Navajo Mythology – The Sun’s Renewal: Among the Navajo people, solar eclipses were viewed as times of renewal for the sun. Ceremonies and prayers were conducted to help the sun regain its strength and vitality after the eclipse.

67. Zulu Mythology (South Africa) – The Celestial Battle: In Zulu mythology, a solar eclipse was seen as a celestial battle between the sun and moon. People would chant and make noise to support the sun in overcoming the darkness brought by the moon.

68. Buddhist Mythology – The Eclipse as a Test: In some Buddhist myths, solar eclipses were seen as tests of faith and virtue. It was believed that during an eclipse, individuals could demonstrate their spiritual strength through meditation, generosity, and ethical conduct.

69. Kaqchikel Maya Mythology (Guatemala) – The Sun’s Disappearance: In Kaqchikel Maya mythology, a solar eclipse was seen as the sun disappearing due to being eaten by a cosmic animal or being. Rituals and offerings were made to entice the sun to return and dispel darkness.

70. Korean Shamanism – The Eclipse as a Cosmic Union: In Korean shamanism, solar eclipses were interpreted as a symbolic union between the sun and moon, representing the balance of cosmic energies. Shamans performed rituals to harmonize these forces and promote harmony in the world.

71. Berber Mythology (North Africa) – The Celestial Combat: Among the Berber people, there is a belief that solar eclipses occur during a celestial combat between heavenly bodies or deities. Rituals and prayers were conducted to protect against the darkness and ensure the sun’s return.

72. Incan Mythology – The Sun’s Capture by Animals: In Incan mythology, solar eclipses were sometimes attributed to celestial animals or creatures capturing the sun. People engaged in rituals and ceremonies to rescue the sun and restore light to the world.

73. Baltic Mythology – The Eclipse as a Cosmic Dance: In Baltic folklore, solar eclipses were viewed as a cosmic dance between celestial beings, such as the sun maiden and moon deity. Ceremonies and songs were performed to celebrate this celestial spectacle.

74. Iroquois Mythology – The Celestial Marriage: In Iroquois mythology, a solar eclipse was believed to occur when the sun and moon engaged in a celestial marriage or union. The eclipse was seen as a sacred event symbolizing harmony and balance in the cosmos.

75. Hawaiian Mythology – The Sun’s Hiding: In Hawaiian folklore, solar eclipses were interpreted as the sun hiding or covering its face out of respect during a sacred ceremony. People would offer prayers and chants to honor the sun during this time.

76. Navajo Mythology – The Sun’s Renewal: Among the Navajo people, solar eclipses were seen as opportunities for the sun to renew itself. Rituals and ceremonies were performed to assist the sun in regaining its strength and brightness after the eclipse.

77. Maasai Mythology (East Africa) – The Celestial Conflict: Maasai mythology includes a belief that solar eclipses occur due to a conflict between the sun and moon. People would gather to witness the celestial battle and perform rituals to ensure the sun’s victory.

78. Tibetan Buddhism – The Eclipse as a Cosmic Reset: Tibetan Buddhists viewed solar eclipses as moments of cosmic reset and purification. Monks and practitioners engaged in meditation, prayers, and rituals to cleanse negative energies and promote spiritual growth.

79. Sami Mythology (Northern Europe) – The Solar Wolf: In Sami mythology, a solar eclipse was believed to occur when a mythical solar wolf swallowed the sun temporarily. People would use drums and loud noises to scare away the wolf and restore sunlight.

80. Taino Mythology (Caribbean) – The Celestial Dance: Taino mythology includes stories of a celestial dance between the sun and moon during eclipses. This dance symbolized the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth, and ceremonies were held to honor this cosmic rhythm.

81. Lakota Sioux Mythology – The Sacred Black Elk: Among the Lakota Sioux, a solar eclipse was seen as a vision granted by the sacred figure Black Elk. It was believed to bring messages and insights from the spirit world, and ceremonies were performed to receive these teachings.

82. Bengali Mythology (Bangladesh and West Bengal) – The Demon Swallowing: In Bengali folklore, a demon named Rahu is believed to swallow the sun during eclipses. People would create noise and commotion to scare away the demon and protect the sun.

83. Aymara Mythology (Andes Region) – The Sun and Moon’s Reunion: Aymara mythology includes a belief that solar eclipses occur when the sun and moon reunite briefly. It was seen as a time of cosmic harmony and balance, celebrated through rituals and festivities.

84. Luo Mythology (Kenya and Tanzania) – The Eclipse as a Cosmic Warning: In Luo mythology, a solar eclipse was often seen as a cosmic warning or message from the ancestors. It was believed to signify potential changes or events and prompted rituals for protection and guidance.

85. Nahuatl Mythology (Aztec) – The Divine Sacrifice: Aztec mythology includes beliefs that a solar eclipse represented a divine sacrifice by the sun god, Tonatiuh. People would perform rituals and offerings to honor Tonatiuh and ensure his strength and vitality.

86. Mangarevan Mythology (French Polynesia) – The Celestial Dance: Mangarevan folklore tells of a celestial dance between the sun and moon during eclipses, symbolizing their eternal connection and cyclical nature. Ceremonies and dances were held to commemorate this cosmic spectacle.

87. Toda Mythology (India) – The Eclipse as a Celestial Union: Toda mythology includes a belief that solar eclipses occur during a celestial union between the sun and moon deities. The eclipse was seen as a sacred moment of divine harmony and balance in the cosmos.

88. Akan Mythology (Ghana and Ivory Coast) – The Eclipse as a Cosmic Transition: Akan mythology views solar eclipses as moments of cosmic transition and transformation. It was believed that during an eclipse, the boundaries between the physical and spiritual worlds became blurred, leading to ceremonies for spiritual guidance and renewal.

89. Tsimshian Mythology (Northwest Coast of North America) – The Solar Spirit’s Journey: In Tsimshian mythology, a solar eclipse was believed to occur when the solar spirit embarked on a journey to the spirit world. The eclipse was seen as a time of spiritual transition and connection with ancestors.

90. Dogon Mythology (Mali) – The Sun’s Regeneration: Dogon mythology includes a belief that solar eclipses symbolize the sun’s regeneration and renewal of cosmic energy. Ceremonies and rituals were conducted to honor the sun’s power and ensure its continued vitality.

91. Bakongo Mythology (Central Africa) – The Eclipse as a Cosmic Interruption: Among the Bakongo people, a solar eclipse was seen as a temporary interruption in the cosmic order caused by celestial beings. Rituals and offerings were made to restore balance and harmony in the universe.

92. Ainu Mythology (Japan) – The Celestial Bear’s Dance: Ainu mythology tells of a celestial bear that performs a dance during solar eclipses. The dance symbolizes the bear’s connection to the sun and moon, and ceremonies were held to honor this celestial spectacle.

93. Zapotec Mythology (Mexico) – The Celestial Serpent’s Attack: Zapotec mythology includes a belief that a celestial serpent attacks the sun during eclipses, causing temporary darkness. People engaged in rituals and prayers to protect the sun and ensure its return.

94. Mapuche Mythology (Chile and Argentina) – The Eclipse as a Shamanic Journey: Among the Mapuche people, a solar eclipse was seen as a shamanic journey undertaken by the sun. Shamans performed ceremonies to aid the sun in its journey and ensure its safe return.

95. Celtic Mythology – The Eclipse as a Battle of Light and Dark: In Celtic mythology, solar eclipses were sometimes seen as a symbolic battle between light and darkness. The temporary darkness represented a clash between opposing cosmic forces, and rituals were performed to restore balance and harmony.

96. Iban Mythology (Borneo) – The Eclipse as a Battle of Celestial Forces: In Iban mythology, solar eclipses were believed to occur during a cosmic battle between celestial forces. The eclipse was seen as a temporary victory of darkness over light, requiring rituals to restore cosmic balance.

97. Kaqchikel Maya Mythology (Guatemala) – The Eclipse as a Celestial Rebirth: In Kaqchikel Maya mythology, solar eclipses symbolized a celestial rebirth or renewal. The eclipse was seen as a time of cosmic regeneration and spiritual transformation.

98. Guaraní Mythology (Paraguay and Brazil) – The Eclipse as a Celestial Transition: Guaraní mythology includes beliefs that solar eclipses marked celestial transitions between day and night, light and darkness. Ceremonies were held to honor these transitions and cosmic cycles.

99. Kwakwaka’wakw Mythology (Northwest Coast of North America) – The Eclipse as a Celestial Transformation: Kwakwaka’wakw mythology includes beliefs that solar eclipses represent a time of celestial transformation and renewal. Ceremonies were conducted to facilitate this cosmic transition.

100. Trobriand Islands Mythology (Papua New Guinea) – The Eclipse as a Spiritual Journey: In Trobriand Islands mythology, a solar eclipse was viewed as a spiritual journey undertaken by the sun deity. Rituals and offerings were made to assist the sun deity in its celestial voyage.

Fragments Of Identity : A Journey Of Resilience, Discovery, And Redemption by Jenny Toussaint