When the sun goes down, the moon reflects this beautiful luminescent shimmer off the ocean. According to the bible, God created lights in the sky to separate day from night. These lights would be used for signs, seasons, days, and years. They (the sun and moon) would give light to the earth. The brighter light (the sun) would rule the day and the smaller light (moon) would rule the night.
In many African societies, the moon is a feminine symbol that represents life and therefore produces human and agricultural fertility. In the Akan, Nga, and Bambuti cultures the moon regulates menstrual cycles and initiations into womanhood, while a crescent moon may be associated with masculinity and male virility. The Luba of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) believe the white color of the moon is associated with the spirit world, therefore white is worn for religious ceremonies. During these ceremonies, masks and other objects are used to celebrate the moon.
In mainland China, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Malaysia these countries celebrate with moon festivals. According to Chinese legend, there was a time when ten suns were in the sky, which caused people to die. As a result, Hou Yi shot down nine of the suns and was given an elixir by the Queen of Heaven to make him immortal. Hou Yi did not drink the elixir, because he wanted to remain with Chang’e (his wife), and he told her to watch over the potion. One day a student of Hou Yi tried to steal the elixir from her, and Chang’e drank it to foil his plans. Afterward, she flew to the moon, and people have prayed to her for fortune ever since. She is presented with a variety of food offerings during the Moon Fest, some people swear that they can spot Chang’e dancing on the moon during the festival. Custer, Charles. “All About the Chinese Moon Festival.” ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/profile-of-the-chinese-moon-festival-4077070.
In the evening, when the tide returns sea water it floods and submerges creeks, salt marshes, mud flats, mangroves, and estuaries. Many sea creatures depend on estuaries for food, protection, and a place to lay their eggs. During the day when the tide is out, many sea creatures retreat to their protective positions while some may sleep. Once night falls estuaries come alive as many animals are only active at night. Estuaries are extremely important to people, as they protect the mainland by acting as a natural barrier between the land and ocean from the force of heavy storms.
There is a correlation between the moon phases and tides. When the moon there is a new or full moon tide are at their highest. According to sciencing.com, Spring tides occur when the sun, moon, and earth all line up. The added gravity of the sun can make the oceans bulge more than at other times. During the moon’s quarter phases, the sun pulls against the moon’s gravitational pull instead of with it. During Neap tides, the result is the lowest high tide and the highest low tide.
If you ever have been on a plane at night once the sun goes down, there is a calmness in the air. I have personally had some beautiful sights outside of my window, such as the moon, stars, and even the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). There are times on a plane where it can be difficult to see these phenomena, however, when you are able to see them it is a magnificent sight.
Share with me any experiences you have had seeing the moon, stars, Northern Lights, or any other phenomena when traveling. Sometimes it is the little things that can provide us joy in our lives.
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