Why Are Black Cats Related To Bad Luck?
Black cats have been the target of superstitions and victims of this unfair stigma as carriers of bad luck for years.
The world is full of legends with towns full of mystery but above all superstitions, which have been accompanying us for many years, such as the famous Tuesday or Friday the 13th or that superstition associated with a bad fortune that for years has been related to black cats. One of the most deeply rooted superstitions in America and Europe, but behind which no scientific evidence really hides. But then why this aversion to black cats?
Black cats, especially since the Middle Ages, have been associated with all kinds of superstitions, legends, and fears, often associated with witches and always linked to bad luck. To the point that coming across a black cat can be seen as a sign of bad luck in many countries. But this has not always been the case throughout history.
Black cats, especially since the Middle Ages, have been associated with all kinds of superstitions, legends, and fears, often associated with witches and always linked to bad luck. To the point that coming across a black cat can be seen as a sign of bad luck in many countries. But this has not always been the case throughout history.
How Did The Superstition Of Black Cats Are Bad Luck Started?
Although today there are numerous stories and legends linked to black cats and bad or good luck, the truth is that each country has its own legends about these cats, although most of them are always linked to supernatural or related issues with witchcraft.
On the other hand, that bad luck was not associated with these felines in Ancient Egypt, where all cats, including the black cat, were revered and protected by law because they were considered sacred animals. In fact, in ancient Egypt cats were one of the most worshiped animals, because the ancient Egyptian god Bastet was often depicted as a woman with the head of a black cat. A belief that the Romans also shared, but that with the arrival of the Middle Ages ended up being related to witchcraft and bad luck.
On the other hand, that bad luck was not associated with these felines in Ancient Egypt, where all cats, including the black cat, were revered and protected by law because they were considered sacred animals. In fact, in ancient Egypt cats were one of the most worshiped animals, because the ancient Egyptian god Bastet was often depicted as a woman with the head of a black cat. A belief that the Romans also shared, but that with the arrival of the Middle Ages ended up being related to witchcraft and bad luck.
During the Middle Ages, many women were accused of practicing black magic during the Inquisition and their feline companions of black color also fell out of favor with them. The belief that black cats were the incarnation of witches during the night was spreading and reaching this, even to the United States and to the time of the Salem witch trials.
All due to a legend that began to circulate in the mid-sixteenth century, which told that a father and his son were walking together on a moonless night when suddenly a black cat crossed their path. Father and son threw stones at the cat until the poor animal was wounded and found refuge in the nearby house of a woman suspected of being a witch. The next day, the father and son saw the woman limping and injured, which led them to tell everyone that the woman, and also the rest of the women accused of being witches, could turn into a black cat at night to prowl the streets without being seen.
This black cat superstition in France led to thousands of cats being burned every month until Louis XIII in 1630 put an end to this terrible practice. Something very different from what is believed in the United Kingdom, where a black cat is thought to attract both good and bad luck. In fact that a black cat crosses the street in England is more related to the love for these animals than to superstition, to the point of believing that if during a wedding a black cat crosses the bride when leaving the Church, it will ensure years of love for the couple.
Scotland, Great Britain, Japan and Russia are also other countries that see this dark feline as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
Do Cats Bring Good or Bad Luck?
Although all these beliefs have been maintained over time for many years and by many people, the truth is that this association between black cats and bad or good luck is still a mere superstition without any scientific support.
However, these wonderful felines have been suffering the consequences of these beliefs all this time, becoming much more prone to abandonment or to be less adopted in shelters compared to their colorful companions. For all this, the next time you adopt a new feline friend, don't hesitate to give a black cat the option of providing a home. Do not forget that cats, regardless of their color, can become the best life partner.
However, these wonderful felines have been suffering the consequences of these beliefs all this time, becoming much more prone to abandonment or to be less adopted in shelters compared to their colorful companions. For all this, the next time you adopt a new feline friend, don't hesitate to give a black cat the option of providing a home. Do not forget that cats, regardless of their color, can become the best life partner.
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