Looking Towards The Heavens: Eclipses Influence On Religion

The ancients were rightfully afraid during eclipses; these were frightening events which they did not understand. The Cherokee thought a frog was swallowing the moon; Incas thought it was a serpent; and the Chinese believed it was a dragon. Some of these beliefs are maintained in today’s religions.
Western religions do not connect special significance to eclipses, though Muslims say a special prayer at the time of their occurrence.
Eastern religions, perhaps because they are older, ascribe more importance to eclipses. Buddhists believe their prayers and practices are magnified during a total lunar eclipse. They are supposed to join in a special prayer for all those who are suffering.
The religion that places the most emphasis on eclipses is Hinduism. Hindu temples are closed during solar eclipses, on the belief that the gods are weak at that time; a demon has struck the sun with darkness. One is supposed to sit still during an eclipse and chant special prayers, and to fast before and during the eclipse.
Hindus should also bathe at the beginning of the eclipse, and again afterwards, in the clothes they are wearing, preferably in cold water. Any donation made during an eclipse is considered particularly auspicious and valuable.