Moon worms, lunar sickness, and other myths

Moon worms, lunar sickness, and other mythsThe MOON is one of the brightest things in the sky. But have you ever wondered what people believe about the moon? Check out some of these.

by Alex Coyne

26-10-2023 12:25

in Culture

The MOON is one of the brightest things in the sky, especially during special events like the supermoon. But have you ever wondered what people believe about the lady (or sometimes man) in the sky? Here are some of the weirdest lunar-based beliefs, including some from Southern Africa.

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Moon Sickness' Afrikaans has a saying that says someone is, met die maan gepla' or bothered by the moon' in its direct translation. Early ancestors had a strong belief that the lunar events could affect someone's mental state, and the saying means to say that someone isn't mentally well.

ALSO READ: South African HORROR movies to see this October

Yes, the phrase can sometimes (and often) be used as an insult.

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Today, we know that the lunar events might impact insomnia!

/Xam Bushmen and the angry sun According to African Ethnoastronomy, the /Xam Bushmen stories tell that the moon is a person.

ALSO READ: Super Blue Moon: When is the next one?

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The story tells that the moon is someone who made the sun angry. In response, the sun cut the sky-orb down to size and today, it is only allowed to shine at night.

ALSO READ: What is a blue moon - and why do we care?

That gives it quite an interesting back-story!

Moon worms Also according to African Ethnoastronomy, it was customary for Xhosa ancestors to deworm children during full lunar events.

This was reportedly based on the belief that worms are drawn to the full lunar cycle, and collect' in such a way that they are easier to get rid of.

Moon Insomnia Can the lunar cycles affect your mental health in any way?

Healthline says yes.

Lunar insomnia is a real phenomenon During full events, some people would swear that they are less likely to fall asleep (or wake up more often). That would be because that's exactly what happens to some people!

Plentiful Harvests Website HowStuffWorks says that many ancient cultures have believed in lunar superstitions.

ALSO READ: Moon Watch: ALL the Full Moons for 2023

There are many world cultures who believe that the full cycle is a sign of a good harvest. That's why moons in September are usually named after the Harvest.

READ MORE ARTICLES BY ALEX J COYNE

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