In the 1950s and 1960s Perry Como crooned “Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket, save it for a rainy day.” These “stars,” actually meteors made of space debris burning up, have fascinated cultures through the ages.
Informations gleaned from Go2 Tutors reveals some of the variety of interpretations of these events:
The Romans thought of these celestial demonstrations as the god Jupiter hurling stones down on humanity when he was particularly displeased with them.
The Chinese saw them as dragons from heaven that controlled weather patterns and fertility. They also believed them to be good omens of prosperity to come, a wish on them guaranteeing success.
Aboriginal Austrailians viewed “shooting stars” as malevolent sources like Namoorador, a shooting star who transformed into an evil creature who went about searching for babies in the night.
Some native American tribes believed these meteors were the waste of celestial beings!
One Hindu interpretation identified the meteors as the souls of great warriors tumbling from the sky after epic battles.
The annual perseid meteor shower occured on August 10, 258, the date of the death of St. Lawrence, a deacon roasted alive. The Christian tradition developed that the “falling stars” were his tears of joy falling from heaven.
When there is such a rich variety of traditions, of attempted understandings of a complex universe we share, how can we be dismissive of one another? As the saying goes, “We are all made of stardust!” Topic for the blog of another day!
“For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars
makes me dream.” – Vincent Van Gogh
The invitation is open to share two cups of tea anytime at Hope’s Café or anywhere you share companionship and conversation.
May we bearers of hope, the “wait staff” at Hope’s Café, for each other and all those we encounter. Shalom, Kate
Hope's Cafe 