Are Black Cats the New Good Luck Charm?
Black Cat Myths, Legends, and Superstitions.
When you cherish a black cat, you might not realize that you possess one of the most powerful good luck charms around! Historically, black cats have been linked to bad luck, witches, and Halloween. However, upon closer examination of these myths, legends, and superstitions, we discover that many cultures actually regard black cats as symbols of good fortune!
The most famous myth of all!
We have all heard the famous saying, “A black cat across your path means bad luck!” But when this happens, what’s actually happening? Is it really good luck you are getting, and you never knew it?
Turns out this depends on where you live, and here are the top 6 regions and countries who like to take note if a black cat crosses your path.
Lucky or Unlucky?
Europe – Very bad luck! These unlucky roots run deep, tracing back to the medieval days when witches were persecuted, and black cats were thought to be their spooky sidekicks or worse, witches themselves!
Japan – Talk about feline fortune! In the Land of the Rising Sun, black cats are like little matchmakers for single ladies, boosting their luck in love! Plus, those adorable maneki neko dolls, often sporting a black coat, are on a mission to chase away evil vibes. Cats saving the day? Yes, please!
North America – a land of contradictions! Once upon a time, the black cat was the ultimate bad luck charm, but now? People are waking up to the truth: these sleek felines are simply stunning! Nowadays, the only luck that matters is how fortunate you are to have a fabulous black cat by your side!
Germany – Germany has a unique perspective on black cats, where their crossing direction influences your luck. If a black cat crosses from left to right, it’s considered fortunate, while a right-to-left crossing brings misfortune. Make up your mind, Germany!
Italy – Talk About a Cat-astrophe! In the land of pasta and pizza, if a black cat decides to strut across your bed, brace yourself! It’s said to predict the end of the line for someone who’s already under the weather. Yikes!
Scotland – What a lucky place! While you’re in Scotland, aim to encounter as many black cats as you can, as spotting a black cat here signifies that money is on its way to you!
France – How Lucky! In France, encountering a black cat signifies that something magical is about to unfold. So, be on the lookout for both black cats and the enchanting moments they bring!
As you can tell, opinions on our feline friends in black are like a mixed bag of catnip! While some folks see them as bad omens, a whole lot more believe they’re the good luck charm we never knew we needed. So, drumroll please… we’re officially declaring that black cats are the ultimate luck-bringers!
Black Cat Legends
One of the most famous legends of black cats comes from Egypt. Cats in general have been revered in Egypt and the black cat is said to be a descendant from the Egyptian goddess Bastet who was known to have taken the form of a lioness and then later a black cat. These black cat descendants of Bastet are thought to have supernatural powers.
Another legend of black cats comes from the sailors of the oceans. Sailors believed having a black cat on board ship would bring good health to the journey. Many ships kept their felines in places of honour onboard. This legend could have arisen from the fact that cats are excellent hunters and kept the rodent population down which also keeps disease away!
Black Cat Superstitions
The superstitions surrounding black cats have deep historical roots, tracing back to medieval times. It is thought that these beliefs began in the 13th century when the Catholic Church labeled black cats as embodiments of Satan. While society has progressed, and we no longer view black cats as malevolent, certain superstitions about them still persist today. Here are some of our favorite superstitions.
In certain parts of the world, it has been said that if a black cat gets accidently soaked then out of revenge the cat will make it rain.
When your black cat sits down for a good grooming you better pay attention! Your cat is telling you company is imminent and they are preparing themselves to look their best!
Have you ever dreamed about black cats? Dreaming of a black cat can mean different things and it usually depends on your feelings about black cats. Generally, dreams about black cats mean something magical and wonderful is ready to happen to you, or they can be the foresight of bad news about to arrive in your life.
Black Cats Today
These days, we talk about black cat superstitions and wonder at all the myths and legends which surround them, and then embrace them as the fantastic feline they are. Black cats are found on every continent and in every culture and it is no wonder as the black gene is the most dominant colour for cats, particularly male cats.
The black cat of the modern world has many variations. Solid black – known as a solid or self. These solid black cats can have three more different variations. Coal black, grayish black, and brownish black. All three are considered solid black. There are two other black variations, black smoke, black coat with white roots and rust black, a black coat which turns light brownish is the sun.
No matter which colour a black cat is, one thing I think we all agree on is that black cats hold a fascination for us, and cat lovers will all agree that black cats are simply amazing!
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