Last night we went out around ten to see the lunar eclipse. We were disappointed and for good reason -- it is tonight. Between ten and ten-thirty the eclipse will move to totality. In another time this would have been considered an auspicious event, either for good or for bad. Astronomers and astrologers were often one and the same. Matthew's gospel says that Magi followed some celestial body in search of the Christ child. Aristotle concluded that the earth was round because of the crescent shape which moved across the face of the moon.
In ancient Judaism the moon was an important indicator for religious festivals. The same is true for Christianity. In fact our greatest festival, Easter, is on the first Sunday following the first full moon of the Spring equinox. The reason Lent started so early this year is because of the moon and the moveable date for Easter.
So, we will try again tonight and try to pretend that it isn't winter.
In ancient Judaism the moon was an important indicator for religious festivals. The same is true for Christianity. In fact our greatest festival, Easter, is on the first Sunday following the first full moon of the Spring equinox. The reason Lent started so early this year is because of the moon and the moveable date for Easter.
So, we will try again tonight and try to pretend that it isn't winter.
3 comments:
Just came in the house...IT'S WINTER!
Watched it from our window in the comfort of our home. It was interesting how our daughter thought it would be a scarey event, but after watching it realized it wasn't. Perhaps that is how those in ancient times felt, as they watched the event.
Hi Lynn and Nancy and the gang,
We were about to put on warm winter gear and venture outside when Ruth realizes that we could see the moon clearly from our hall window.
It was nice to wake up this morning and realize that the eclipse didn't mark the end of the world!
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