Is there any truth to ancient superstitions?
Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight
“It must be a full moon.”
So, why do many of us hold onto this belief?
Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight
Realistically, any “effect” the moon has on us might be linked to our ancestors.
They believed a moon had the power to induce insanity, epilepsy, or bouts of madness.
Even some modern thinkers toyed with this idea.
While the theory seems reasonable at first glance, it was quickly dismissed by experts.
The results show no relation between the full moon and any increase in these occurrences.
If the science tells us the connection doesn’t exist, why do superstitions persist?
Spiritual Significance of the Moon
Among indigenous cultures around the world, the moon holds great significance.
Honoring the moon through ritual and dances of gratitude remain an important practice and connection to nature.
The moon holds spiritual significance for other groups, as well.
As a major player inastrology, the lunar cycle is believed to heavily influence behaviors and moods.
Garfinkle RA.The moon in mankinds history and lore.Luna Cognita.
Published online 2020. doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-1664-1_1
Lieber AL, Agel J.The Lunar Effect: Biological Tides and Human Emotions.
2017;12(1).
doi:110.5281/zenodo.345722
Rotton J, Kelly IW.Much ado about the full moon: a meta-analysis of lunar-lunacy research.Psychological Bulletin.
1985;97(2).
Gupta R, Nolan D, Bux D, Schneeberger A.Is it the moon?
Effects of the lunar cycle on psychiatric admissions, discharges and length of stay.Swiss Med Wkly.
- doi:10.4414/smw.2019.20070
Margot J.No Evidence of Purported Lunar Effect on Hospital Admission Rates or Birth Rates.Nurs Res.
2019;9(1):e022759.
doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022759
Vyazovskiy V, Foster R.Sleep: A Biological Stimulus from Our Nearest Celestial Neighbor?.Current Biology.
2014;24(12):R557-R560.
2019;21(7).
doi:10.1080/14649365.2019.1619821
Lunar and Planetary Institute.Sky Tellers - Moon Phases.
