Some of us believe in superstition and there are those whose life were affected by it. Have ever heard of the curse of a black cat where you should cancel any appointments you have as you might encounter an accident? Some says that someone will die if you see a black cat.
Let s explore where the superstition from the black cats originated and see both the good and the bad.
Black Cat Superstition
In animal shelters and pet adoption centers in America, black cats are still often the last to be adopted and at higher risk for euthanasia. They suffer from the same superstitions and stigmas that has roots all the way back to Middle Ages witchcraft persecutions. It was during that time, that the black cat got an undeserved bad reputation.It was not until the mid-16th Century, in Europe, when black cats in particular, began to be associated with “bad” luck and be linked to witchcraft. Witch hysteria was just spreading throughout Europe. Long before it reached the shores of America and caught fire in Salem, MA an unfortunate legend was born.
In the village of Lincolnshire, England a poor elderly woman was an outcast in the town. She was unjustly suspected of being a witch and eventually accused. At any rate, when a father and son were headed home from the local tavern, a black cat crossed their path. The drunken men hit the cat with rocks and chased the poor thing into the shack of the old lady. When the old lady was seen limping the next day the village decided that she was actually the cat. The village persecuted the old woman and accused her of witchcraft and “shape-shifting.”
Sadly, no one knows how many lonely destitute women and gentle loving cat companions were killed in this purge. One thing is for certain, black cats were singled out for extermination. The idea that witches could transform themselves into black cats was also a belief that was repeated in America during the Salem witch trials. For a time, cats were burned on Shrove Tuesday (before Lent started), as a ritual that was supposed to protect people from fire and other accidents.
The Black Plague
In a public decree Pope Gregory IX called cats “Diabolical Creatures”. People that kept cats were often suspected of being witches, and put to death along with their pets. At first black cats, then eventually all cats were being killed and driven away from settlements. In Medieval times, the cat population had almost been wiped out by this superstitious mind-set.When the Black Plague was spread throughout Europe by rats, millions of people died. The plague was made worse because so many cats had been killed. If the cats had been there as the natural predator to the rats it may have stopped and certainly would have limited the spread of the disease. In reality, if the cat population had been allowed to live it would have been “good” luck for millions.
Good Luck Cats
Good Luck Cats
Black cats were not always so misunderstood. In fact, all cats were respected and practically worshiped in ancient Egypt.The Irish have an ancient saying that if you kill a cat it brings you 17 years of bad luck. Scottish folklore says when a black cat arrives at your doorstep, it signifies happiness and prosperity. In the English Midlands, when a black cat is given as a wedding present it brings good luck to the bride. Black cats in Japan (and throughout the Orient) have always been considered lucky.
It’s sad to see how fear and superstition can lead to the unjust treatment of both people and animals. Hopefully, we can learn from these historical mistakes.
The link between black cats and the Black Plague is particularly fascinating. It’s a stark reminder of how fear and ignorance can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Yes, it’s a powerful example of how misconceptions can have real-world impacts, both then and now.
The eradication of cats likely contributed to worsening the plague, which is quite ironic given the intent behind their persecution.
The story from Lincolnshire is a tragic example of how marginalized individuals and animals can be scapegoated in times of fear and uncertainty.
The role black cats could have played in controlling the rat population during the Black Plague is a compelling argument against superstitious practices.
I hadn’t realized the extent to which superstitions about black cats persisted through history. It’s a stark reminder of the power of myths.
The historical perspective on black cats gives a deeper understanding of how superstition can shape cultural beliefs and societal behaviors.
It’s interesting how different cultures view the same animal in vastly different ways. From bad luck in Europe to good fortune in Japan.
Indeed, it highlights the arbitrary nature of superstitions and the power of cultural narratives.
This also shows how historical events and societal changes can impact the perception of certain symbols or animals.
The positive views of black cats in Japan and other cultures are a refreshing contrast to the superstition in Europe. It shows there’s often more than one way to interpret a symbol.