Even the most devoted cat lovers sometimes wonder if "a black cat means bad luck." It is surprising that this superstition has persisted for centuries. But where did it come from?
In the era of ancient Egypt (around 3000 BC), cats were held in special esteem — their killing was punishable by death. However, with the rise of witchcraft in Europe, this reputation was undermined!
Black Means Evil
Although black coloring is not limited to specific breeds, the Bombay cat has likely become a symbol of "misfortune." Most black cats have golden-yellow eyes due to a high melanin content. Completely black cats can be either males or females, but this coloration occurs significantly more often in males. So why have these furry creatures become associated with bad luck?
Do Black Cats Bring Misfortune?
The belief that black cats are linked to bad luck is thought to have originated in the 13th century. The exact reasons why cats became associated with the devil in the Middle Ages are unknown, but the belief was so strong that during the Black Death pandemic in 1348, people were caught and killed. The irony is that the destruction of cats only exacerbated the spread of the plague, as it was transmitted through rodents.
In the 16th century, rumors of witchcraft swept across Europe, and black cats became victims of hunting, as many "witches" took stray cats into their homes. At some point, people began to believe that these were not just "pets," but witches themselves transformed into animals.
Black Cats in Folklore
Black cats are often mentioned in folklore. For example, Scottish legends tell of a magical creature resembling a large black cat known as the Cat Sìth. It was believed that it could steal the souls of the dead before the gods could take them. This belief led to the creation of night and day watches called "Late Remembrances" to guard the bodies before burial from the evil cat.
By the way, the superstition that a black cat crossing your path brings bad luck has different interpretations in different cultures! For instance, in Germany, a cat moving from right to left is said to herald bad news, while moving from left to right is considered good.
Some pirates also held beliefs related to the movement of cats. They believed that if a black cat approached, it was a bad omen, while if it moved away, it was good news. And if a black cat boarded a ship and then left, the next voyage would be tragic!
Black Cats and Good Luck
In some legends, black cats bring good luck! In England, in some counties, black cats are still given to brides to bless their marriage.
In Japan, black cats are also considered symbols of good luck, especially for single women, as having a black cat attracts good suitors.
