The myth of the Sun and Moon being brothers is a tale passed down orally in the region of Gujarkhan. It offers a cosmological explanation for the nature of the sun and moon.
Once, there were two brothers, Sun and Moon, who lived under the watchful care of their mother. One day, she sternly warned them not to gaze upon her while she bathed. Despite her admonition, Sun disobeyed, stealing a glance. Moon, however, heeded her words and respectfully turned away.
As punishment for his defiance, Sun was condemned to burn as fire for eternity, blazing with the heat of his guilt. Moon, in contrast, was rewarded for his obedience, destined to shine cool and serene in the night sky, a symbol of tranquility.
Lore has it that an old woman sat on the moon, weaving cloth on a traditional loom. It is an explanation for the moon’s mysterious markings.
When children would ask, "What is in the moon?" parents would reply, "An old woman is sitting on the moon, weaving cloth."
This relationship between craft, nature, and women seems natural owing to two reasons: the first being that Punjabi women have woven cloth by hand for centuries; the second is that the moon is also traditionally associated with femininity.
Many children affectionately call the moon Mamu (maternal uncle). Whilst the phrase "Chanda Mamu" might not fit the strict definition of folklore, it certainly relates to linguistics and tradition simultaneously.
In most rural areas, a brother’s role is distinct and ceremonial. A brother traditionally refrains from eating or drinking at his sister’s house, maintaining a symbolic detachment while taking on significant responsibilities for her and her children.
This practice, emphasizing the brother’s role as a caretaker, elevates the status of the husband’s family while keeping the woman’s family in a supportive but subdued position. Consequently, children tend to develop a bond with their maternal relatives.
Thus, it is plausible that the moon is known as Chanda Mamu because it embodies the care and support that maternal uncles often provide. Chanda (which is derived from the word chaand) is also a term of endearment in Punjabi. Whether it was the Moon that was first likened to a maternal uncle or the uncle who was called the Moon remains unclear. What is certain, however, is that this tradition exemplifies how familial relationships and cultural practices influence even the simplest childhood expressions.
Expectant women are warned from stepping outside during a lunar eclipse, for it is believed that the baby will be born with birthmarks.
Prayers made looking at the new crescent moon of every lunar month are believed to come true.
Submissions by Mahin Zia and Sabrina Khalid.
Curated by Team Folkloristan.
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