The Folklore and Superstitions Behind Babymaking and the Full Moon
Many people have heard the superstition that having a baby at the full moon will bring good fortune to the newborn. But where does this belief come from, and is there any truth to it? Let's explore the historical origins and cultural significance of this intriguing superstition.
Personification of the Moon in Folklore
In many cultures, the moon is often seen as a female figure, an association that stems from the close relationship between the lunar cycle and the menstrual cycle. Ancient people observed the phases of the moon, noting how they waxed and waned before repeating the cycle. This cycle closely mirrors the average length of a human menstrual cycle, which is around 28 days. It is during the full moon that the moon is most prominent and "pregnant," making it a logical time point in the lunar cycle for this association.
Five-Day Mark and Ovulation
While the significance of the fifth night after the full moon is not a scientifically validated period for conception, it is important to note that ovulation typically begins around 10 to 14 days after menstruation ends. Sperm can survive in the female body for up to five days, making the day of ovulation and the few days preceding it the most fertile time. However, the belief that the fifth night is significant is purely folklore and has no basis in modern scientific understanding.
The Moon and Fertility
The moon's cycle is often associated with fertility in folklore and culture. Its visible form changes from slim to full, a change that mimics the stages of pregnancy. In addition, water is often linked with fertility, both from a farming perspective and a sexual one, particularly since the ancient Sumerian word for 'water' also meant 'semen.' This association has led to a variety of cultural beliefs about the moon's role in fertility and childbirth.
Sympathetic Magic and Full Moon Births
According to the principles of sympathetic magic, which suggest that actions that resemble a particular event can influence the likelihood of that event happening, many people throughout history have believed that the full moon's power could enhance the chances of a successful pregnancy and childbirth. The full moon itself is seen as the "largest and most pregnant" moon, offering its maximum power of fertility and childbirth.
Other Fertility Rituals and Practices
Similar practices and beliefs exist in various forms of agriculture and fertility rituals. For example, some farmers used to wet a branch and walk around their fields to mimic rain, or in the case of 'Jack in the Green,' a person dressed in leaves and branches would be ritually thrown into a river to ensure good weather for the crops. These rituals share the common theme of using actions to influence the outcome of important events.
The Full Moon and Magical Properties
While the full moon has been associated with fertility and childbirth for thousands of years, it was also believed to hold general magical properties. The light of the full moon was seen as having a cleansing, purifying, or invoking power. This could explain why many superstitions are linked to the full moon, including beliefs about the best time to conceive, give birth, or perform other rituals.
Conclusion
While the superstition about the full moon and good fortune for the baby is rooted in folklore and cultural beliefs, it lacks scientific validation. However, the cultural significance and historical importance of the moon's cycle in fertility and childbirth practices ensure that the belief persists. The full moon continues to fascinate and influence human behavior and beliefs, making it a topic of enduring interest in the realm of cultural studies and folklore.