Astrologers have considered the moon as an important factor of change and have regarded lunar folklore as a very powerful influence upon all the events that take place on the earth.
The lunar folklore associated with the moon has mesmerized the world from times immemorial. The moon appears low on the horizon and illuminates the sky with its beautiful light.
Man has visited the surface of the moon & has tried to analyse its formation but still majority of the secrets are not revealed.
The modern-day science has started to scratch the surface of the moon for getting the knowledge about the folklore and the myth related to the moon.
What is the significance of Lunar Folklore?
1. Chang’e: The Chinese goddess of the moon
The most common myth about the lunar folklore is a Chinese myth that narrates the story of a woman who lives on the surface of the moon.
The story is that this woman along with her husband were once immortal beings who were converted into mortals because of their bad behavior.
They tried to get the immortality back again with the help of a pill but Chang’e got greedy and took a lot of pills.
Finally she ended up floating in the air and reached the moon where she remained stuck forever and ever.
This woman has been the subject of numerous Chinese poetry and is also a reason for the celebration of autumn during the Chinese moon festival every year.
2. The Goddess of Moon
Another myth contributing to the lunar folklore is about the goddess of the moon.
In Greek and Roman mythology, the goddess of the moon is referred to as Selene and Luna respectively.
The goddess is paired with Helios, who is considered to be the god of the sun in Greek mythology.
In Roman mythology, the god of the sun is referred to as Sol.
It is believed that the god of the sun travels throughout the day while the moon goddess continuous the journey throughout the night.
The goddess of the moon is considered to be a very passionate goddess who has many lovers and desires which are associated with the moon.
3. Mawu
Another famous story or myth about the lunar folklore comes from the African continent which states about a very happy couple that states the linking of the moon god with the sun goddess Lisa.
It is believed by the people of Africa that this couple is very happy & is famous for their lovemaking during the time of the lunar and solar eclipses.
This myth tells the story about the power of the sun, moon, love, desire, and the sky.
4. Rona
The story of Rona originated from the Maori tribe located in the country of New Zealand.
This story narrates an incident about a young woman whose name was Rona who upset the moon which resulted in her seizing and capture by the moon.
It is believed that this woman caught hold of a tree and then dragged it with herself to the moon.
People have a belief that this particular tree is a representation of fertility and does make the moon as one of the symbols of fertility.
5. Anningnan
The people who are living in Northern regions, in the country of Greenland and Alaska, believe in a very horrifying myth related to the moon.
These people believe that Anningnan, who is also known as Igaluk and is the moon of god, raped the sun goddess who is believed to be his sister.
They also believe that the moon god still trying to chase down his sister so that he can possess her. So he follows the sun goddess every day in the sky.
The process of waxing and waning which can be seen in the moon is explained by these people as the phenomena where the chasing is done until the moon god is starving.
Finally it disappears for a brief time for the hunting of food and then save his energy to come back and start the chase again.
6. Ixchel
The people of Mayan believe in special stories related to the lunar folklore also known as the goddess of the moon.
These people frequently associate the goddess of the moon and believe that she is Ixchel, who is believed to be the fertility goddess and provides fertility to the moon.
She is also believed to be the grandmother of the moon by some people.
As the moon is very old, she is also seen as a symbol of aging and the driving away of the factor of fertility, thus giving rise to the waxing of the moon.
7. Werewolves
We have seen the myth of the werewolves in a lot of movies. This particular animal is related to the moon due to its transformation on the night of the full moon.
It is also believed by the people that if a person gets bitten by a werewolf, he or she will also become a werewolf on the night of the full moon.
They also believe that a Werewolf can be killed with a sharp object or a bullet which is made up of silver.
Various variations of this particular myth can be seen in different types of books and movies.
8. Soma
Soma is a Hindu god that has its association with the moon.
This particular myth is very interesting because many additional symbols are present that the people see and commonly associated with the moon in this case.
In Hindu art, Soma is also considered as an embryo and sometimes considered as a bull. Fertility is frequently associated with the facts of the moon.
The Bull is also considered as a symbol of cross cultures. An important thing about Soma is the linking of the moon with the form of an elixir.
The name Soma is also given to a drink that is consumed by the Gods.
Another interesting fact is that the moon rabbit, who is believed to live on the moon surface has a similar symbol which has the meaning of elixir making in Chinese history of Lunar folklore.
9. Moon Rabbit
The myth about the moon rabbit is very interesting because it represents various cultural stories of lunar folklore.
The moon rabbit is considered to be one of the companions of Change, who was allowed to be with her on the surface of the moon. It is also considered as a symbol of peace and prosperity in the countries of Japan and Korea.
Video: 8 Truths and Myths about Lunar Folklore on a Full Moon
The Moon Magic
For many people all around the world, the cycles which the moon undergoes are of great importance.
It is believed in many traditions that the process of waxing of the moon, the full moon, and the waning of the moon have their special magical properties.
Thus, the yearly calendar and the planning of the festivals go according to the Lunar Folklore.
The full moon is considered to have its own set of properties which are considered to be magical and mysterious. It has an aura about itself.
The formations of high tide and low tide on the earth are the results of this full moon only.
The changing cycles which can be seen in the body of a female are a result of the moon only. The moon is also considered to be connected to the wisdom and the thinking process of the human being.
That is why various Pagans and Wiccans have chosen to celebrate the full moon day as a festival every month.
Other Superstitions Related to Lunar Folklore
Some other superstitions which are related to the lunar folklore are listed below:
- Many people believe that the fifth day after the process of the full moon is the right time for conceiving a child.
- In the Chinese religion, people make various offerings to their ancestors on the night of the full moon.
- The Night of the full moon is believed to be the perfect time for carrying out the process of divination and scrying.
- The people have a belief that whenever they see the crescent moon for the first time in a month take all the points present in their pocket and then keep it in the other pocket. This will bring good luck to them in the next month.
- The majority of the cultures in the past have been seen honoring the lunar deities like Artemis and Selene.
Conclusion
The myths related to the lunar folklore have been in practice from past many centuries and have been a symbol of belief and emotion for people all around the world.
These symbols are interpreted in many ways by people of different religions. We have tried to cover the most general meaning and crux of the same.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Who is considered to be the lunar goddess?
Selene, who is a Greek goddess is considered to be the Lunar Goddess.
What is the significance of the rabbit symbol on the moon surface?
The rabbit symbol as seen on the moon is considered to be the autumn festival by the Chinese people and some countries present in the middle east.
What is the significance of a full moon?
The full moon is considered to be a symbol of good luck by the people all around the world. It is also believed to provide strength to the new-born babies.