March 3, 2026 marks the first lunar eclipse of the year, and what makes it even more special is the fact that it lands on a Blood Moon. So, let's decode the stories behind the rare astronomical event.
Millions of people will have the opportunity to see a rare astronomical event on March 3, 2026. Not only will it be the first lunar eclipse of the year, but it will also be a 'blood moon'. The eclipse will be visible in most of the world, including North America (especially the West), the Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, and East Asia. However, Africa and Europe will not be able to see it. So, as the world awaits the eclipse, let's take a look at the myths surrounding it.
The eclipse on March 3, 2026, will be a special event as the full moon will be completely enveloped by Earth's shadow cast by the sun and will be momentarily darkened. However, sometimes the sunlight manages to reach the moon, reflected by the Earth's atmosphere, giving the former an ashen to dark red glow, the colour depending on atmospheric conditions. So, scientifically, the term "blood moon" is a beautiful phenomenon.
However, it can often be chaotic, due to the stories, prophecies and myths surrounding it. Lunar eclipses have fascinated cultures across the globe and inspired several striking myths and legends, many of which portray the event as an omen. However, while it is not surprising, since anything that interrupts the regular rhythms of the sun or moon can often cause discontent among the living. So, as we stand hours away from the event once again, let's take a look at these stories.
For decades, many ancient civilisations have looked at the Blood Moon as a sign of evil. The people of ancient Inca interpreted the deep red colour as a jaguar attacking and eating the moon. They believed that the jaguar might then turn its attention to Earth, so the people would shout, shake their spears and make their dogs bark and howl, hoping to make enough noise to drive the jaguar away.
In Mesopotamia, a lunar eclipse was further considered a direct assault on the king. With their ability to predict the eclipse with reasonable accuracy, the people would place a proxy in the king's place during such periods. Someone considered to be expendable would pose as the monarch, while the real king would go into hiding and wait for the eclipse to pass. The proxy king would then conveniently disappear, and the old king would be reinstated.
According to Hindu folktales, the lunar eclipse is seen as the result of the demon Rahu drinking the elixir of immortality. Twin deities, the sun and moon, promptly decapitate Rahu, but having consumed the elixir, Rahu's head remains immortal. Seeking revenge, it chases the sun and moon to devour them. If he catches them, we have an eclipse. However, when Rahu swallows the moon, it reappears out of his severed neck. Many Indians believe that the eclipse brings ill fortune, food and water are covered, and cleansing rituals are performed. Pregnant women are especially advised not eat or carry out household work, in order to protect their unborn child.
While the event seems to carry a lot of bad stories, not all are as bad. The Native American Hupa and Luiseno tribes from California believed that the moon was wounded or ill. According to local tales, they believed that after the eclipse, the moon would then need healing, either by the moon's wives or by tribesmen. They cited how the Luiseno would sing and chant healing songs towards the darkened moon. On the other hand, the Batammaliba people in Togo and Benin have an uplifting legend. Traditionally, they view a lunar eclipse as a conflict between the sun and the moon.
They said it was a conflict that the people must encourage them to resolve. It is therefore a time for old feuds to be laid to rest, a practice that has remained until this day. In Islamic cultures, there is an interpretation that is free of superstition as well. They believe that the sun and moon represent deep respect for Allah, so during an eclipse, special prayers are chanted, including a Salat-al-khusuf, a "prayer on a lunar eclipse". It both asks Allah's forgiveness and reaffirms his greatness.
Another story that relates to the astronomical event to 'blood' is the Christian one, which equates lunar eclipses with the wrath of God. It often associates them with the crucifixion of Jesus. While scientific theories have explained the phenomenon, some biblical references often lead people to fear the event as the 'judgement day'. Often in some Christian, Jewish, and Messianic interpretations, blood moons are seen as prophetic signs often quoting Joel 2:31, which reads:
"The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes."
The prophecy was dismissed by Mike Moore in 2014, but the term is still regularly used by the media and has become a worrying synonym for a lunar eclipse. Given the enduring superstition, it hasn't been very helpful for science communicators trying to remind everyone that the so-called "blood moon" is nothing to fear. It may be impressive and may be the longest in a century, but it is simply an eclipse.
What are your thoughts on the Blood Moon lunar eclipse? Let us know.
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