Myths and Superstitions About Black Cats (2024)

FAQs

What is the superstition about black cats? ›

Most of Europe considers the black cat a symbol of bad luck, particularly if one walks across the path in front of a person, which is believed to be an omen of misfortune and death. The black cat in folklore has been able to change into human shape to act as a spy or courier for witches or demons.

Superstitions about black cats have many roots from medieval times, possibly beginning in the 13th century when the Catholic church declared black cats as incarnates of Satan. Since then, we have come a long way and no longer believe black cats are evil, but we do have superstitions that are still believed.

Mystery and transformation: Black cats are thought to be connected to the spiritual world or have supernatural powers. Their ability to slip between shadows relates to the belief that they move between realms. This stealth also represents transformation and resilience.

In the Middle Ages (approximately AD 500-1500 in Europe), when witchcraft became a concern was when people first began associating black cats with witches and bad luck. Why? According to English folklore, witches could shape-shift into black cats and go haunting and havoc-wreaking in the night.

Put a cat in the empty cradle of newlyweds, and a baby will arrive soon. If a cat sneezes three times, someone will catch a cold. When a cat washes its ears a lot, it will rain. Having a cat in a theater is good luck.

Black cats shouldn't get a bad rap just because they look sneaky. In fact, they're considered good luck in many cultures. In Scotland, it's lucky for a strange black cat to arrive at your doorstep. In Japan, black cats are thought to help single women find suitors.

Over time, European folklore evolved the concept of magic and sorcery that was being associated with cats into claiming them to be “familiars” – meaning supernatural beings that assist witches. By the Middle Ages, black cats were on the fast track to entering a dark period that would ultimately threaten their safety.

In Ancient Egypt, things were still looking up for black cats. They were worshipped, just like their more colorful buddies. The Ancient Egyptian god of cats, called Bastet, was often portrayed as a woman with the head of a black cat, so our black felines had nothing to fear.

Among superstitions, one of the oldest and most enduring is that crossing paths with a black cat will bring on bad luck. The dark-colored felines have also been folded into modern Halloween symbols, giving them the (unearned) reputation of being spooky.

However, when monotheistic Christianity was introduced, any god that was not the Christian god was immediately associated as “satanic.” Thus, when any idea or any thing magical or unexplained by the bible came to light, such as a black cat's mysterious crafty nature, it was immediately CATegorized as demonic.

Are black cats good superstitions? ›

Black cats are considered good luck in other parts of the globe, as well. In Asia and the U.K., you're going to be lucky in life if you own a black cat. In Japan, you'll have luck in finding love if you spot a black cat. In parts of England, a bride will have luck in her marriage if she receives a black cat as a gift.

Historically, sailors and fishermen believed that having a black cat onboard would bring the ship good luck and guarantee a safe journey (with the added benefit of fewer rats). Fishermen's wives would also keep black cats at home believing that they would ensure their husbands returned home safely from sea.

Black cats whose owners were accused of witchcraft were associated with the Devil and evil. People thought black cats assisted witches in their evil deeds. They also believed that witches could transform into black cats to lurk in the shadows and cast spells on people.

Felicia Hardy has feline-based powers, including enhanced strength and agility, as well as bad luck aura to use against her opponents. Her powers later mutate, granting her extraordinary balance and retractable claws.

It is said that if a black cat crosses your path, then you should avoid taking that path. It is also believed that you should let somebody else pass before you do. In this way, you can keep bad luck at bay and the first person will have it on them.

The notion that black cats are unlucky is a basically a superstition. To some people, black cats are unlucky; to other people they're lucky. Whether they're lucky or unlucky for you depends on what, if anything, you believe about them. It has absolutely nothing to do with astrology.

The superstition that black cats crossing the street in front of you can cause bad luck was imported from Japan. But some drivers in other countries will make an 'x' on the left side of the windscreen with their right hand if a black cat crosses their car's path.