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)