solar eclipse by www.pixelio.de

Next Wednesday the 22nd of July you will be able to see a partial blocking of the sun by the moon, called solar eclipse. It will be taking place in the morning reaching the maximum blockage of 20% at 8.10 a.m. There will be viewing points in Phuket were eye protection will be provided for this event. In the northern countries of Asia – India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, China and Japan one can see a full solar eclipse. In northern Thailand you can still see up to 60 % coverage of the sun.

Ancient Thai and Chinese believed that a solar eclipse is actually caused by a dragon which is eating up the sun. To fight him of people were and still are nowadays using drums, gongs or fireworks to create as much noise as possible to scare the dragon away. In Thai tradition it is also necessary to use lucky objects during a solar eclipse  to avoid bad omens. Black is the color of Rahu, the demon of darkness, and so black rice, black chicken and liquor give you luck during the happening.

In Hindu mythologie the story goes as follows: There has been a meeting between all gods to create a nectar of immortality for the gods. During this meeting a demon disguised as a god was sitting between the god of the Sun and the god of the Moon trying to get some of  the immortality elixir. The Sun and Moon detected the demon and alerted Lord Vishnu, who immediately captivated the demon with his sword. But it was too late, the demon already was able to drink some drops of the nectar, making him partialy immortal. Ever since he is seeking revenge on the moon and the sun, trying to eat them, when they come close to him. His head is known as Rahu and his tail as Ketu.

Sea Bees will of course try to watch the eclipse from our office in Chalong and scare Rahu away!