Socio-Cultural and Religious Narratives and Practices Regarding Lunar Eclipse in Village Communities: A Study of Central Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

In the history of humankind, lunar eclipse has always captured attention and imaginationof human beings. This study is an anthropological attempt to describe prevailing perceptionsand myths about lunar eclipse and resultant religious and cultural practices in some of therural areas of Central Punjab, Pakistan. For this purpose, qualitative research techniques of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions have been used to understand and untanglethe strings of indigenous perpetuations about a celestial phenomenon. The research findingsshowed multiple sets of socio-cultural and religious beliefs and practices which have beenfollowed through generations that demonstrate the richness of culture and mythological value of local verbal tales. Perceptions include fear of God, remembering the dayof judgment, good or bad luck, and occurrence of disease. Practices include praying, charity, taking certain precautions to avoid the disease, and doing some religious and cultural rituals. Some unique folktales are also narrated by the respondents of the locale which have specificsocio-cultural meanings for them. The paper describes all these perceptions and practices intwo main parts: socio-cultural perceptions and practices and religious perceptions andpractices.