The belief that some people go "mad" during Purnima (full moon) and Amavasya (new moon) is a common cultural phenomenon found in various societies, especially in some parts of India and other regions with similar cultural beliefs. This belief is often associated with folk traditions, astrology, and ancient beliefs about the influence of celestial bodies on human behavior.
The reasons behind this belief can be traced back to cultural myths, superstitions, and astrological beliefs that have been passed down through generations. Here are some reasons that are commonly cited:
Gravitational Effects: It is believed that the gravitational pull of the moon during the full moon and new moon phases can affect the human body's water content, similar to how it affects ocean tides. Since the human body contains a significant amount of water, some people believe that these lunar phases can influence emotions, mental state, and behavior.
Astrological Beliefs: In traditional astrology, the positions of celestial bodies, including the moon, are thought to have an impact on human life and behavior. It is believed that certain alignments or positions of the moon can exacerbate existing mental conditions or emotional tendencies.
Cultural Conditioning: The belief in lunar effects on human behavior is deeply ingrained in certain cultures, and people may attribute changes in behavior or emotions during these phases to the lunar cycle due to cultural conditioning.
Confirmation Bias: People who already believe in the lunar effect may pay more attention to any unusual behavior or mood changes during these phases and attribute them to the lunar cycle. This can reinforce the belief over time, even if there is no scientific evidence to support it.
It's important to note that there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that the lunar cycle directly causes mental health issues or madness in people. While the moon does have a gravitational effect on Earth, the impact on individual behavior is negligible, and there is no scientific basis for connecting lunar phases to changes in mental health.
In modern times, mental health professionals and scientists do not support the idea of the moon's influence on human behavior. Changes in mood or behavior during specific lunar phases are more likely to be influenced by external factors such as cultural beliefs, seasonal changes, or individual life circumstances.
Ultimately, the belief in the lunar effect on human behavior remains a cultural belief and is not supported by scientific evidence. If anyone experiences significant mental health issues, it is essential to seek professional help from mental health experts and not rely on folk beliefs or superstitions.