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Astronomy Communication: Cultural Beliefs and Traditions in Zambia

Explore the unique astronomical beliefs of Zambia, including moon, sun, and star interpretations, influencing societal practices. Discover intriguing connections between celestial occurrences and cultural traditions.

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Astronomy Communication: Cultural Beliefs and Traditions in Zambia

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  1. ATRONOMY COMMUNICATION 101 SCHOOL10-12 MARCH 2010CAPE TOWN ASTRONOMICAL BELIEFS, A CASE STUDY OF ZAMBIA BY PROSPERY C. SIMPEMBA Copperbelt University, Box 21692, Kitwe, Zambia E-mail: pcs200800@gmail.com

  2. .Each society has its own beliefs and traditions . Some beliefs and traditions relating to astronomy include Beliefs about the moon, the sun and the stars: general life style and rainfall patterns.

  3. No diseases THE MOON The shape and orientation of the new moon. Curved not to hold anything Diseases are poured off giving a disease-free month. Not bothered to have readily available remedies

  4. . • New moon curved upwards • Shaped to hold things • Sign of looming disease outbreaks. • Elders get prepared by Gathering traditional medicine

  5. Sexy of a baby Conceiving when there is a new moon: baby is female. Conceiving when there is full moon: baby is male. • Stillborn baby Birth to a stillborn: mother to stay away from husband until another new moon appears

  6. Moon and rain season When a new moon appears, people expect perpetual rains. It is believe: the rain is washing and strengthening the moon. Dry spells are expected when the moon is strengthened –full moon.

  7. THE SUN Death of witch/wizard http://living.oneindia.in/insync/2008 But these are halos produced by refraction/reflection

  8. THE SUN • Shadow time -time was measured against the length of the shadow -at noon they appeared to be standing on the shadow -other positions • Seasons: movement of the sun relative to overhead position.

  9. STARS • A shooting star : meteoroid that burns up as it passes through the Earth's atmosphere . • Ancient belief: a witch/wizard flying.

  10. . Star seen close to the moon if seen often: sign of finding a lover since the star was believed to be married to the moon.

  11. . This is planet Venus, the Roman goddess of love. Saying: “IF YOU ARE NOT RELIGIOUS, YOU MUST BE A CELEBRATED ASTRONAUT TO REACH GO” Simpemba 2010

  12. THANK YOU

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