The lunar moon is a source of fascination and inspiration for cultures across the globe for thousands of years. The moon is sometimes seen as mysterious, haunting, controlling the ebb and flow of the tides but it also plays a major significance on many cultures, and their traditions.
From China to Africa, the moon has played a significant role in shaping the traditions and customs of different cultures. The following blog post will highlight the significance of the lunar moon in Chinese, Native American and African cultures.
From the Chinese goddess Chang’e to the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Mid-Summer Moon Ceremony, this article explores the various beliefs and rituals that have been associated with the moon in these cultures.
Come along on a journey as the unique and powerful ways in which the lunar moon has shaped the cultural heritage of these ancient societies is uncovered.
The Many Faces Of The Moon: A Cross-Cultural Examination Of Lunar Beliefs
In every culture, whether ancient or modern, the moon plays a significant role in their traditions, beliefs and rituals. The moon is not only a celestial body in the sky, it is sometimes revered as a Mother Figure or feared as the Blood Moon in the Native American cultures.
Several Asian cultures view the moon as a fertility symbol. It is tied to harvest festivals and symbolizes the soil’s freshness and the Earth’s bounty.
Below is a brief explanation of the lunar significance in Chinese, Native American, and African cultures.
The Significance Of The Moon In Chinese Culture
Chinese culture view the moon as feminine energy, Yin or The Moon Goddess Chang’e. It is opposite to the male, or Yang energy represented by the Sun.
The Chinese hold autumn festivals to celebrate the Moon, which only females attend. They create altars at home, with offerings of fruit, flowers, moon cakes, incense and candles.
The Moon’s Significance in African Culture
In African cultures, the moon is often associated with femininity and is seen as a symbol of fertility. Many traditional African societies have rituals and ceremonies that are based on the lunar calendar, such as the Zulu Umkhosi Wokweshwama, which is a first fruits ceremony that is held during the full moon.
The Moon’s Significance In Native American Culture
In Native American culture they view the moon as a guide, protector, time-keeper and represents transformation.
Unlike other cultures who view the moon as a female aspect, Native Americans view it as male and the Sun as female. The moon in Native American culture is associated with the wolf because of its nocturnal habits.
Many Native American tribes have traditional moon ceremonies and rituals, such as the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Mid-Summer Moon Ceremony, which is celebrated to give thanks for the bountiful harvest.
Conclusion
Several cultures view the lunar moon is as a powerful and spiritual force. In Chinese culture, it’s a symbol of unity and harmony, in Indian culture it’s associated with the god of the moon and is considered auspicious. The Native American culture associates it with the Great Spirit and is seen as a powerful and spiritual force.
In African cultures, it’s associated with femininity and fertility. The lunar moon has played a significant role in shaping these cultures and continues to be an important part of their traditions and customs.
References
http://english.www.gov.cn/news/2014/10/06/content_281474992818279.htm
https://cedarhilllonghouse.ca/the-moon-symbol-native-art-symbols-and-meanings/
https://www.makweti.com/wildlife-at-makweti/an-african-moon/
