Why Does Madness Often Seem to Accompany the Full Moon in Different Cultures and Myths?

The moon, with its eerie glow and mysterious cycle, has long been associated with madness in various cultures and mythologies. Its influence on our lives is profound, controlling the tides and even affecting the menstrual cycles of women, who are most fertile during a full moon.

Historical Context of the Moon and Madness

In times when days were darker and the nights more profound, the moon played a crucial role in daily life. During the full moon and its immediate surroundings, the faint light was enough for people to function, making these nights unique and often perilous. It was during this time that many nefarious activities, including crime, became more common, fueling fears and superstitions.

The Debursement of Lunacy

Recent studies have begun to debunk the idea that the moon has a direct connection to madness. According to these studies, the origin of such accusations comes from primitive fears and superstitions. Think of the boogeyman, werewolves, Bigfoot, or even the current political figure Nancy Pelosi, these are more fantastical notions that contribute to the mythos surrounding the full moon. However, the reality is different, and emergency room visits can actually increase during a full moon, highlighting the lived reality of these matters.

The Roman Goddess Luna and Modern Myths

The Roman goddess of the moon, Luna, shares the same root as the English word "lunatic." This linguistic connection indicates the deep historical and mythological significance the moon had in societies. The Greek philosopher Aristotle and the Roman historian Pliny the Elder believed that the brain, being the "moistest" organ, was heavily influenced by the movements of the moon. This belief, despite lacking scientific evidence, persists in our collective consciousness today.

Modern Beliefs and the Lunar Effect

In modern times, police officers and hospital administrators remain staunch believers in the idea that the full moon brings out erratic behavior. They claim to witness an increase in crimes, hospital admissions, suicides, homicides, and car accidents during a full moon. This phenomenon, known as the lunar effect, suggests that something about the moon's influence could be causing these events. However, modern science largely dismisses this idea, pointing to the psychological impact of the moon on human behavior.

The Role of Sleep Deprivation

Psychotherapist Charles L. Raison posits that the origin of the lunar lunacy effect lies in the truth hidden behind it. Before the advent of artificial lighting, the full moon might have kept many people awake at night. Sleep deprivation is known to cause erratic behavior, especially in individuals with psychological disorders like bipolar disorder. This could have been the original root of the effect, but in today's world, with technology and artificial light, the effect no longer holds as much validity.

Psychologically, the lunar effect can be explained by our tendency to notice and remember unusual events. If something strange happens during a full moon, it is more likely to be remembered and shared. Conversely, if nothing strange happens, the event is more easily forgotten. This selective memory helps explain how the myth persists, despite its lack of factual basis in modern times.