One of the most common superstitions about black cats is to believe owning a black cat or seeing a black cat can bring them bad luck. Sadly, they have an association with bad luck. Because of their color, only half of black cats are likely to be adopted. Whereas, in some parts of the world they are considered good luck.
History of black cats as bad luck or good luck
There are two different views about black cats. Some perceive them as the reason for good luck, whereas others perceive them as bad luck. But, the majority believe they as bad luck for them. This is one of the reasons that’s why black cats got famous. In most countries, the black cat has a bad reputation because of their color. That’s why many people dislike them all over the world and consider bad luck for them.
In developed countries like the United States, black cats have some of the lowest adoption rates and highest euthanasia rates in shelters. If you ask why this is happening because nowadays, everyone uses social media to highlight or publicize their pets. And adopters often take photos of their adoptable cats and share them on social sites.
People usually search on social sites to buy new cats. But unfortunately, black cats are more difficult to photograph than lighter-coated cats, so it is difficult to attract adopters to adopt black cats. It is also reported that potential adopters perceive black cats as less friendly and cooperative than lighter-coated pets based solely on a photograph. That’s why people also ignore them on a large scale.
Where did the tradition of cats being bad luck or good luck come from?
Some people believe that if a cat walks towards you, it will bring good misfortune, while if a cat is away from you, it will bring misfortune. Such superstitions pass on from one generation to the next generation. Even many educated people still believe in these superstitions. There is a very famous weird superstition about the black cat that a black cat could eventually become a witch himself after serving as a witch’s familiar for seven years.
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In ancient Egypt, cats were worshipped due to being linked to the goddess Bastet, who was said to bring protection to the home. Bastet, also called Bast, ancient Egyptian goddess worshipped in the form of a lioness and later a cat. In Western culture, a witch’s familiar is often depicted as a black cat.
However, in many other areas of Europe, black cats are considered to be a symbol of bad luck, especially in the event of one walking across the path in front of you, which is said to be an omen of death. Ships will sink if a black cat wanders onto a ship and then off again. Even today, many people think black cats bring bad luck, e.g, during Halloween, they are portrayed on decorative items accompanied by witches.
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List of cat superstitions from around the world
Japan, Russia, English – In Japan, people believe that black cats can heal sick children and protect against evil. Whenever such a situation comes, people bring cats for their children to recover from illness. People in Russia love cats, and they believe that whenever they move to a new home always let the cat enter first. The entrance of the cat before family members will bring prosperity in the future. English people believe if the cat of the house is black, the lasses will have no lack of lovers. If a cat runs in front of a fisherman, it will bring good luck when he is on his way to fishing, whereas it is a bad omen if a cat crosses his path on his way to fishing.
Ireland and Italy-In Ireland, people, believe that killing a cat brings seventeen years of bad luck, and that’s why people take special care of these cats. In Italy, people have a good perception of cats. A cat sneezing is a good omen for all those who hear it. Specifically, if your pet gets sneezes, it means there’s money coming your way. If a bride hears a cat sneeze on her wedding day, the marriage will be good.
USA, Japan, and Norway-In the USA, If a black cat crosses your path, it is bad luck in the mainland. In Japan, people still believe that if a cat washes its face, a visitor will be arriving. Such unusual things don’t happen daily, but this is also true that these beliefs do not always come true. In Norway, a unique perception of cat eyes is that if you stare deep into a cat’s eyes, you can see the fairy world.
China and Egypt-People in China rank black cats very high. They believe cats can see ghosts and are also able to protect us from evil spirits. Egyptians think that cats give them such signals to assist them. These are all their perceptions and beliefs. They believe black cats to be majestic creatures. Both cultures held the animals in high regard.
Role in electronic media
Black cats have been working in Hollywood movies for many years. Due to their looks, they are part of many horror movies. They symbolize bad luck or bad time in movies and dramas. They are also part of funny scenes in movies, but mostly, they are part of horror movies.
Scientifically Speaking
Scientifically speaking, there is no such thing as good luck or bad luck. People’s beliefs about black cats vary from country to country. But there is no such thing in reality. We should need to expand our vision. Considering an animal’s presence, good luck or bad luck is complete ignorance. Even no religion can say these about an animal. Sometimes people pass on such illogical things from one generation to another. That’s why people started believing in these things.