- Why have black cats become the center of superstition?
- What are some superstitions about black cats?
- Interesting facts about black cats.
- Truth or fiction?
Why have black cats become the center of superstition?
Since ancient times, black cats have been a subject of fear and prejudice. It is all to blame for their black coloring, as black has always been considered a sign of grief, darkness, evil and bad luck in human culture. In Italy and Germany, black cats were associated with death. Countries of ancient Greece believed that such cats are the helpers of witches, it was also believed that witches have the ability to transform into animals and most often they were black cats, because in the dark, the most favorable period of the day for them, they are not visible, so they could camouflage perfectly. This was the reason for mass extermination of black cats and women who were suspected of occult activities. However, such actions on the part of humans towards black cats attracted serious problems for the society of the time. The drastic decline in the cat population caused the breeding of large numbers of rats, which were carriers of dangerous infections and severe diseases. This led to an outbreak of plague in Europe, which claimed a huge number of human lives.
In contrast to such bad associations, some countries on the contrary considered black cats as symbols of happiness and prosperity. In particular, in ancient Egypt, cats, especially black cats, were given the lion’s share of their favor. They were very valued and considered a symbol of family coziness. The Japanese also respected black cats and considered them a symbol of good luck.
In our time, the prejudice against black cats has reduced its momentum and now few people pay attention to them, but there are those who still consider them messengers of darkness.
What are the superstitions about black cats?
Today, people treat cats mostly positively. In many countries of the world, they are considered a symbol of prosperity, comfort and good luck. In Germany, black cats were given the title of bearer of good luck. They believe that if a black cat crossed the road, it will bring some happiness. And the Scots and French interpret such an omen as the approach of financial prosperity. In Japan are convinced that black cats represent a happy family life, so often married couples have such a tail, so that he was a friend of their family. In Britain, sailors always took black cats on a voyage, as they believed them to be the bearers of a successful voyage.
Here are some of the most common superstitions and omens associated with black cats:
– If a black cat comes to your doorstep, it’s for money.
– People believe that cats have the ability to cure illnesses, especially black cats. They constantly lie down at the site of pain and do so until the pain goes away.
– In some countries, it is believed that if you tell a black cat “Be well!” every time it sneezes, you won’t have dental problems.
– Perhaps the most famous superstition about a black cat crossing your path is that you will have bad luck.
– Cats can predict the weather. If the cat is curled up in a ball – for bad weather or cold, if on the contrary, he sleeps belly up, it means that the day promises to be warm. If the cat is hinting at rain, he will sneeze a lot.
– In European countries, people believe that a bride is in trouble if a black cat comes to the wedding.
– If a cat sneezes during the wedding, it is lucky.
– In Slavic peoples believed that during bad weather you can not leave a black cat in the house, because it attracts lightning.
– If you pick up a black cat from the street, it will bring good luck.
– If a black cat comes to you in a dream, it may bring misfortune.
– A black cat is a converted witch or devil. Such a judgment was dominant among all others.
– A black cat is a witch’s helper.
Unfortunately, people have always been more inclined to the opinion about the dark past of black cats, without taking into account all the advantages and features of these furry wonderful creatures. The staff of our V.O.G. DOG SALON network calls this phenomenon “animal racism”, because an animal does not choose what color fur it is born with. Something similar happened among humans, when members of the Negroid race were treated as cursed descendants of evil, who are doomed to be slaves.
Interesting facts about black cats
In many aspects, black coloring provides cats with greater advantages than cats with other coat colors. From a scientific point of view, researchers will highlight such strengths and physical features of black cats:
– Stronger health; cats tend to carry some of our diseases, for example: cancer, HIV, cognitive dysfunction, etc., observations show that it is black cats that are more able to resist these diseases, unlike their “colored” relatives;
– eye color; black cats usually have yellowish or golden eyes, which gives them a special charm and allure, which is why they have been associated with evil forces;
– stronger and more sensitive energy; many people notice that black cats are more sympathetic and better feel the mood of the owner and are able to empathize more;
– developed intuition; black cats sense that trouble is coming, so they begin to behave in a certain way to warn or alert their owner about it;
– can change coat color; this is not some magical ability, just under the rays of the sun the black coat color changes to a shiny rusty or bronze.
Such facts can be said about any other color of cat, but people like to cling to color and fantasize on the background of it:)
Truth or fiction?
As you noticed, omens about black cats of different peoples differ from each other. Someone believes in them as carriers of good and positive energy, and someone on the contrary, chose to avoid and fear them. What to believe in is our choice, but we should not forget about cats, including black cats, as wonderful, elegant and graceful creatures that are ready to be friends for us and need our affection and love, like any other living creature.
When people realized that all prejudices about black cats are just a fiction, and in fact they are kind and affectionate animals, they decided to stand up for their protection. In honor of this in the U.S. dedicated to black cats holiday, which is called “Black Cat Protection Day”. It is celebrated on August 17. An interesting fact is that on the same day in 1843 the world saw a popular novel by Edgar Poe “Black Cat”, where it is said about a cat who from the other side of the world takes revenge on his master for the fact that he killed him. The atmosphere of the novel is extremely dark and heavy.
According to 24petwatch, a manufacturer of GPS beacons for cat collars, “A black cat only brings bad luck if you are a mouse.” Such wording explains quite clearly that we should treat animals with certain characteristics with respect and love, but not at all from a position of fear, neglect and prejudice.
