According to many historical records, the phenomenon of blood rain has been mentioned for a very long time, as seen in ancient Greece where the poet Homer described it in his famous epic, the Iliad. He noted that the supreme god Zeus on Mount Olympus created a downpour of deep red blood to warn of an impending great battle in the underworld.
Additionally, several documents from before the Common Era also reference the occurrence of this phenomenon. Throughout the medieval period, red rains continued to be witnessed in various parts of the world. However, the belief that blood rain heralded bad omens for humanity emerged among many communities in Northern and Western Europe. The years 1348 – 1349 marked a dark period in Germany when the “Black Death” ravaged the country, and particularly noteworthy was the appearance of a blood rain that lasted over two days.
Today, at a time when science and technology have advanced significantly, ‘blood rains’ continue to appear, prompting scientists to seek explanations.
While in literature, authors have used this phenomenon to foreshadow dire events such as death and destruction, many researchers today have stepped forward to provide scientific explanations.
Red-colored rains have been reported around the Sahara Desert, one of the largest deserts in the world located in Africa.
According to researchers’ explanations, the brown dust and sand carried by storms mix with water droplets in the clouds, resulting in a reddish-brown rain.
Blood-colored rain in Kerala, India.
Meanwhile, in Kerala (India), spores of red algae known as Trentepohlia Annulata are blown by the wind, mixing with raindrops, causing blood rain.
In the area of Zamora (Spain), a type of algae called Haematococcus Pluvialis gets caught in clouds, leading to rain. They produce a red pigment known as astaxanthin, resulting in the blood rain phenomenon.
Blood rains are also considered “warnings” from the Earth to humanity. (Illustrative image).
Instances of blood rain are often recorded in small areas, with varying durations, sometimes lasting only a short time. Additionally, the red color of rainwater can also result from air pollution.
In fact, rain on Earth can come in various colors, including yellow, black, and milky white. The most common explanations for these unusual rain colors include the presence of algae spores in the air; dust, and certain chemicals that dissolve in water. For example, pollen can create yellow rain, while coal dust can lead to black rain.
Although many scientists assert that there is no supernatural or mystical power behind it, the phenomenon of “blood rain” remains a heavy warning about the deep wounds inflicted upon the Earth. And should there be any “bad omens,” they will be the price humanity has to pay for the devastation of nature over many years.
