Long before we knew what meteors were, we gave them meaning. In many cultures, a shooting star is a soul on the move. In parts of Europe and the US, it's a soul leaving purgatory for heaven. In Chile, it's a wandering soul seeking its path. In Britain, a new baby's soul arriving. In Lithuania, an old soul departing. The wish-making tradition is nearly universal — but the rules vary. Some say you must wish before it fades. Others say keep it secret. In Japan, you say 'flowing star' three times fast. The Perseids are called the 'Tears of St. Lawrence' in Catholic tradition, falling on his feast day. The Geminids peak near the winter solstice, linking them to renewal myths. We project our hopes and fears onto the sky. The science doesn't erase the wonder — it deepens it. Knowing the rock is 4.5 billion years old makes the wish feel bigger.