Black Cat Myths

Few animals are the subject of as many myths, both good and evil, as the black cat. It seems that this mysterious, graceful animal engenders strong emotions, both historically and in present times. No matter whether the associations are positive or negative, the black cat continues to remain a powerful mystique in society.

In Western Society, black cat myths are often associated with bad luck. One of the more popular myths is the one in which the black cat crosses one's path. This portends very bad luck for that person who encountered the feline. Negative attitudes toward black cats more than likely finds its origin shortly after the pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock.

As devout Christians, they were leery of anything symbolic of evil or connected with the devil. With British and European backgrounds, black cats were seen as companion animals or 'familiars' to witches. In fact, any person found with a black cat in their possession was subject to severe punishment or even death.

The black cat was considered part devil and part sorcery. As the Christians grew in numbers in America, these myths grew more powerful. Since the people identified as witches in America were considered part of the Sisterhood of Witches in England, rumors abounded that black cats were also used in their craft and rituals.

Many black cats were hunted down and killed along with the witches. Puritan Christians believed that witches often transmuted themselves into black cats to avoid death. Today that myth remains so powerful that many animal shelters will not allow black cats to be adopted around Halloween for fear they may be abused.

Other Myths of Black Cats and Bad Luck

Other curious events and folklore tales are plentiful in history, which propagated myths about bad luck and black cats. King Charles I of England owned a black cat. The day the cat died, the story goes that he proclaimed, "Alas, my luck has run out." He was arrested for high treason.

Part of Babylonian folklore includes a cat curled up in front of a fireplace to be symbolic of an evil serpent. Since cats have exceptional night vision, some folks believe the myth that cats can see ghosts.

Ages ago, if a farmer suspected that his land had been cursed, the only method to remove the spell was to shoot a black cat with a silver bullet. It was also believed that if an unexpected misfortune fell upon a village where an old woman owning a black cat resided, she would be accused of witchcraft, and she and her feline companion would be burned at the stake. The black cat certainly has had its share of vicious folklore.

Good Luck Myths and Black Cats

On the other hand, good luck omens are also associated with black cats. Fortunately, many more stories point to the connection between good fortune and black cats. The ancient Egyptians venerated black cats and treated them as royalty. In fact, killing a black cat was a capital offense. Cats were mummified upon their death to preserve them for the afterlife.

Even though many folks believe that a cat crossing one's path is bad luck, many think that a black cat crossing one's path means that person will have good luck. Moreover, if the cat is stroked three times or spoken to, the luck will be even greater.

Fisherman's wives kept black cats for luck when their husbands went to sea, believing that owning a black cat kept danger away. Often these cats were stolen, as they were considered so valuable. Many sailors believed that if a black cat approached them on the deck of their ship, fortune would smile upon them. However, if a black cat started to approach them, but turned around, that meant bad luck was in store. Additionally, if a cat was thrown overboard, it was an invitation for a bad storm with horrible consequences.

In Scotland, it is believed that a strange black cat arriving on the porch brings prosperity. In Britain, it is thought that if a black cat resides in a house, a young woman living there will have many suitors. Interestingly the British feel that if a person owns a black cat, it is good luck, but to come across a black cat by accident is very bad luck.

One of the French myths is that if one has a black cat with even one white hair, Lady Luck will smile upon the owner. In most other cultures, the black cat is considered to be a symbol of fortune - a prized possession - and the owner considered to very lucky.

The black cat continues to carry its full legacy of legends. The fact of the matter is that in reality, it is just another beautiful feline.