On April 8, a total solar eclipse will pass over North America, beginning at various times depending on your state and time zone, with the moon completely blocking out the sun for around 4 minutes. Science attributes this phenomenon to our planet’s orbit around the sun and rotation. However, in some ancient African civilizations, a solar eclipse was believed to be a sign that the sun and moon were beefing on a metaphysical level.
And so as we gear up to experience this solar phenomenon, here we explore some of the other superstitions and folklore inspired by Mother Nature that have been passed down from Black generation to generation. Don’t forget to vote and tell us if any of these sound familiar to you.
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Greens and Black-Eyed Peas on New Year’s Day Brings Good Luck
Eating collard greens and black-eyed peas the day after the ball drops has been a tradition in the Black community for decades. But it’s not entirely about the taste. According to author and food scholar Adrian Miller, greens are intended to symbolize financial success, while the peas represent good luck and health in the new year.
An Open Umbrella in the House is a No-No
When you’re coming in from the rain, don’t even think about stepping inside the house before closing your umbrella. The idea that an open umbrella indoors brings bad luck dates back to the Ancient Egyptians, who believed an open umbrella away from the sun would anger Ra, the sun god.
Full Moons Make You Crazy
They say the freaks come out at night. But some people believe the freaks come out during the night of a full moon. Many incidents of violence and other bad behavior have been blamed on the full moon. And, in fact, people on trial for murder in 18th-century England often used the full moon as a legal defense for a lighter sentence.
A Ring Around the Moon is a Sign of Rain
If you see a ring around the moon, don’t leave home without your umbrella. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, some thought seeing a ring around the sun or moon meant a storm was not far behind.
Make a Wish on a Shooting Star, It Will Come True
If you’ve got your sights set on a new home or a dream vacation, keep your eyes peeled for a shooting star. The idea that making a wish on a shooting star gives it a better chance of coming true dates all the way back to ancient Greece.
In the American South, a shooting star was often interpreted as a soul being released from purgatory.
An Eclipse Means the Sun and Moon are Fighting
The Batammaliba people of Togo and Benin believed a solar eclipse meant that the sun and the moon were engaged in a battle. They used the time to come together and squash old beefs with others, according to National Geographic.
If It Rains While the Sun is Shining, The Devil is Beating His Wife
A sun shower is a rare occurrence, one that, according to Southern superstition was a sign that the Devil was beating his wife. Although there is absolutely nothing in science that backs up that claim, you probably have heard your grandmother say this a time or two.
Lightning is Meant to Punish People
If you get the gods angry, be prepared to be punished with lightning. In African folklore, it is believed that pissed-off gods would strike with lightning – the bolt of justice.
The Moon Controls Fertility
Before there was a birth control pill, people looked to the phases of the moon to help with their family planning. Some ancient civilizations believed that women were most fertile near the new moon.
Talking on the Phone During a Thunderstorm is Dangerous
You may have thought your parents were crazy when they told you to get off the phone during a storm. But believe it or not, they were right. According to the CDC, corded phones are not safe for use during storms. So if you don’t have a cell, it’s best to wait until the storm has passed.
If Your Feet Are Itching, You’re Going Somewhere
Got an itchy foot? Well, pack your bags! Some believed an itchy right foot was a sign that you were about to take a long trip.
Feeling Bad Weather in Your Bones
Growing up, you likely heard an older member of your family tell you that they feel cold weather or a storm coming on in their bones. That’s the time when their arthritis starts acting up, there is some scientific explanation to back this up.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, frigid temperatures can heighten pain sensitivity, slow blood circulation and cause muscle spasms—allowing you to physically feel the weather changes in your bones.
Rainbows Aren’t as Nice as They Look
You may think rainbows are beautiful, but ancient Zulu believed differently. They believed rainbows were snakes that “drank from pools of water on the ground.” Don’t get caught slipping. They believed the snakes would swallow anyone hanging around the pools they drank from.
A Bird In Your Home is a Bad Sign
Close the door behind you! Ancient folklore suggests a bird flying into your house is a sign of bad luck – and may even mean a death is coming soon.
The Sun Took its Place in the Sky to Get Some Space
An African folk tale explains how the sun and moon found their way into the sky. According to the story, the Sun and Water were friends on Earth. After the Sun visited Water at his home, Sun returned the invitation. Although the invite was for one, Water couldn’t help but bring his people and overflowed the water forcing the Sun and the Moon into the sky.
Straight From 
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