This one seems to be a favourite of superstition-makers. Solar eclipses have traditionally been linked to a lot of superstitions in India. One must not venture out during an eclipse, since it is believed that the Sun is swallowed up by the demon. Pregnant women, especially, must stay indoors in order to ensure that their babies are not born with any deformities. In fact, pregnant women are often not allowed to sew or cut vegetables during an eclipse. Some families avoid cooking and eating altogether during an eclipse. On the other hand, some people believe that it brings good luck to bathe in holy water bodies during or after an eclipse. Astrologers often have a field day during eclipses predicting death, doom and gloom in store. However, the reason behind some of these superstitions can be scientific. For example, one should actually avoid going out during an eclipse in order to keep away from the harmful UV rays.