Superstitions About the Full Moon
Think about the full moon. What comes to mind? Our closest celestial neighbor, the moon is often associated with magic and madness. No matter the country or continent or the particular name used to describe them, every fairy tale, fable or folklore states that ghosts, goblins, witches and sprites all cast spells by the moon's silvery light. It is impossible to trace what started our preoccupation with the moon's effects on mankind, but it is possible to trace many of our modern superstitions to ancient beliefs.
Ancient superstitions
Ancient people believed that sleeping in direct moonlight caused insanity. Hence the word lunatic is derived from "luna," meaning moon, and "tic," meaning struck. They also believed that those who practiced black magic along with creatures of the night, such as werewolves, gained superhuman strength from the full moon's light. Though some ancient civilizations felt the full moon brought luck, the majority looked on it with fear.
Modern superstitions
Though belief in werewolves is probably a thing of the past, there is no shortage of modern superstitions when it comes to full moons. We still feel that the moon causes madness and most people, including nurses, police officers and teachers, state that crime, trauma and general disorder surges with each full moon. The theory is the moon's gravitational pull affects humans much as it does the ocean tides, causing otherwise sane people to behave in abnormal ways. And though modern studies have proven there is no truth to any of these superstitions, it is hard to undo centuries of false beliefs. While not actually fearing that werewolves are lurking in the dark, the average person is a little more cautious to check their surroundings and lock their doors when the moon is full.
Do not feel bad when you jump at things that go bump in the night. Stories of nighttime happenings and full moon havoc are told to you from the moment you can understand them. Enjoy the goosebumps -- just remember to keep a foot in reality, too.