The Dragon’s Feast: A Myth of Solar Eclipses
One of the most captivating legends about eclipses comes from ancient China. According to the legend, during a solar eclipse, people believed that a celestial dragon was devouring the Sun. To scare away the dragon and bring back the light, they would make loud noises by banging drums, pots, and other instruments. This tradition evolved into the practice of performing rituals and making noise during eclipses to protect against the dragon’s influence. The idea of a celestial dragon eating the Sun adds a mystical and imaginative element to the phenomenon of eclipses, reflecting the ancient Chinese culture’s beliefs and worldview.