Lunar Eclipse Pregnancy Myths: Why Women Wear Red and Metal Keys

Every time I hear that an eclipse is coming, my mind instantly drifts back to my childhood and all the bizarre traditions that came with it. With a partial lunar eclipse approaching on August 27–28, 2026, those vivid memories are coming right back.

I distinctly remember watching my older sister place a metal house key directly over her belly button whenever an eclipse was happening. She kept it taped there until the moon fully cleared the sky. Back then, I had no idea why she was doing it, all I knew was that her husband's family insisted it protected her unborn baby.

As it turns out, this is a deep-rooted belief across the Hispanic community with roots tracing all the way back to ancient Aztec culture.

According to this long-standing folklore, pregnant women must avoid looking at an eclipse or touching their bellies while one occurs. The superstition warns that failing to protect the womb could cause the baby to be born with a cleft lip, palate, or a birthmark. To ward off these supposed celestial dangers, women often wear protective charms, like pinning a safety pin, a metal key (like my sister did), or even red underwear over their stomach to shield the fetus.

Modern medical experts and NASA have confirmed time and again that eclipses do not emit any harmful radiation or unique rays. Yet, these cultural practices remain stubbornly alive and passed down through generations.

Fascinating eclipse superstitions span far beyond Latin America, too:

India: Many people fast and avoid cooking or eating during an eclipse, believing that any food exposed to the moon's shadow becomes impure or tainted.

Ancient Greece & Europe: Eclipses were historically feared as terrible omens sent by angry gods, signaling impending war, famine, or even the end of the world.

Did your family have any wild eclipse rules or traditions growing up? Share your favorite childhood superstitions with us in the comments!