SPOKANE, Wash. — The “ring of fire” annular eclipse, which won’t happen again until 2044, will be visible this Saturday across parts of the US.
This is something that most people in the world want to see and experience. But, as the solar eclipse excites most, many Indigenous people across the US have a different meaning.
On Oct. 14, the moon will partially block the sun, creating a annular solar eclipse.
The “ring of fire” eclipse will be visible over a 125-mile stretch from Oregon to Texas and even further, spanning 10 countries in total.
With millions of people chasing the eclipse to find the best view, there are people who avoid it altogether.
In Navajo culture, an eclipse marks a new beginning. The Navajo word for solar eclipse “jóhonaa’éí daaztsą́” meaning “death of the sun.”
During these eclipses, Navajo people will remain inside, fasting and praying. After the eclipse, when the sun returns, its considered a rebirth and a time to make resolutions.
The Navajo nation occupies tribal parks in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. These area will not be occupied for the eclipse, even with the beautiful landscape it offers.
On Sept. 15, Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation announced that all parks would be closed during the eclipse to accommodate traditional beliefs. These closures are a reminder that this eclipse has a symbolic meaning for Indigenous people across America.
They urge non-Navajo tourists to be respectful when visiting Indigenous lands and sites.
When a solar eclipse occurs, the Navajo nation operated differently. They don’t go to the store to buy the solar eclipse glasses, instead they close schools for the day, grant administrative leave for employees and people are encouraged to stay home.
Though tribes all throughout the region are united when protecting their land, they emphasize that every community has its own beliefs about the eclipse.
“Some will see it as a rebirth, a rebalancing,” said Nancy Maryboy, a Cherokee and Navajo cultural astronomer who is the president of the Indigenous Education Institute. “But other tribes consider an eclipse a bad omen.. the [Cherokee] view it as a giant frog trying to swallow the sun.”
There is no right way to describe a solar eclipse, it will vary for each individual. The thing to keep in mind is that everyone has a different belief.
Now, if you are wanting to go and view to solar eclipse on Oct. 14 here are some tips that NASA has provided for viewers to get the full experience.
Also, depending on where you live, that will change when you will see it and how prevalent the “ring of fire” will be. NASA has also provided a map of when the eclipse will be visible in each part of the region.
