Hausa people’s perception of eclipses: A natural phenomena or superstition?

Abstract

Even with the advent of scientific revolution, a process which facilitates scientific knowledge across the globe, superstition still holds sway in many communities and has a great influence on people’s belief in this modern era of civilization. Hence many communities in the world today still believe in the superstitious nature of eclipses rather than it being a natural phenomenon. This study therefore, is aimed at investigating the literacy level of Hausa people on eclipses. A total of 100 Hausa people in Bakin Kura, Gwallaga, Baram and Bayara settlements in Bauchi LGA of Bauchi State were involved in the study. Simple random sampling
technique was used in selecting the settlements while convenience sampling technique was adopted for selecting the sample size. Instrument used for data collection was questionnaire method. A structured questionnaire titled “Hausa People’s Literacy Level on Eclipses Questionnaire” (HPLLEQ) was developed by the researchers which consisted of 22 items comprising of two sections. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistic. Major findings of the study indicated that Hausa people’s perception of eclipses as natural phenomena was not significant. Furthermore, Hausa people’s perception of eclipses as superstition was significant. It was concluded that Hausa people of Bauchi State believe that eclipses are not natural phenomenon. Amongst others, it was recommended that, citizens should be properly educated on issues concerning eclipses in order to discard the misconceptions associated with it.