The Ancient Origins of Wishing on a Shooting Star Revealed

Paris, France – A recent video by Numerama explores the fascinating historical roots behind the widespread tradition of making a wish upon a shooting star. This seemingly whimsical custom, often associated with hope and dreams, dates back to antiquity, according to the science and tech media outlet. The video explains that in ancient civilizations, shooting stars were not merely celestial phenomena but were believed to be literal stars that were dying and detaching from the cosmic firmament. This dramatic descent was often linked to a profound human event: death. It was thought that as a star fell, a human soul was simultaneously ascending to the heavens. This ancient belief gave rise to the notion that the soul of the deceased, in its journey skyward, could carry with it the wishes made by those still on Earth, thereby ensuring their fulfillment. This historical perspective sheds light on how deeply intertwined human beliefs and celestial observations have been throughout history, transforming a natural occurrence into a moment of profound personal significance.