When you gazed at the moon, did you ever notice its spots? According to some, they resemble a face. Some claim that they are shadows. But there's a story behind those spots in many African villages. They include numerous tales of magic, mystery, and lessons that explain how the moon acquired its unique markings. For many generations, African moon stories have been passed down to children as a way to teach them about the sky, the natural world, and life in general.
Welcome to the realm of African moon stories, where the moon converses, tricks, and even causes mischief.
The Hare and the Moon
Southern Africa has one of the most well-known tales. In this story, the moon asked the hare to deliver a message to people: "Tell them that they will die and rise again, just like me." The hare, however, made a mistake. "You will die... and never come back," it warned humans. In a fit of rage, the moon struck the hare in the face. This explains why the moon still harbours resentment and why the hare has a split lip. The spots? According to some, they are the wounds from that battle.
Children's African myths like these aren't just bedtime tales. They impart knowledge about the value of words, courage, and honesty.
The Sun and the Moon
The moon and sun were once friends in West Africa. The sun was so bright that it drove the moon away. Because of this, the moon now only appears at night, concealing its sadness in shadows. This story is about friendship, jealousy, and balance. Part science. Part soul.
The Moon's Spots and Changing Form
There is a well-known story from Nigeria that describes the moon as a fat woman with meaty skin who used to visit Earth every night to assist an elderly woman in need by allowing her to cut pieces of her "meat" for food. However, people started to worry and set a watch to stop the old woman as the moon grew smaller and smaller due to these nightly carvings. The moon, frightened, returned to the sky and stayed there, growing thin and fat in cycles, explaining why the moon waxes and wanes. The dark spots? They are the marks left from those times the moon was carved and scarred.
Beyond Stories
Before the invention of telescopes and science books, these African folktales served as a means of explaining the sky. They named the stars. They provided a purpose for the moon. They inspired children's imaginations. African storytelling for children can transform the sky into a wonderland.
These days, textbooks or YouTube may teach us about the moon. Long before that, however, African grandparents shared stories and wisdom while sitting by the fire with their eyes fixed on the sky. These are the myths of the sky that we should continue to teach because they are rich in emotion, culture, and imagination.
What do you think the spots on the moon look like? Has your culture told you a different moon story?
Drop it in the comments.Â
