Lunar eclipse in E. Timor

Lunar eclipse in E. Timor

DILI, East Timor: Locals beat on electricity poles and created
deafening noise to greet the lunar eclipse that appeared over
East Timor on Tuesday.

The noise, which started at 9 p.m. local time, could be heard
in the regions of Becora, Kuluhun, Bemori, Audian, Vilaverde,
Bairopite, Fatumetan and Surikmas.

Local cultural observer Eugenio C.J. Sarmento explained to
Antara that the locals still believed eclipses foretold major
disasters, which was why they scrambled to perform some cultural
rites, burn candles or give offerings.

As for beating on the poles, "it was just to inform neighbors
of the 'strange' natural phenomenon," he said.

Another expert, Fransisco do Nascimento, said the locals
chanted "ami se iha" or "we are still here" while looking up at
the eclipse. He said the East Timorese were telling God that they
were still here and asked for protection. (33/swe)