The History of Black Cats

Let’s face it, black cats get a bad rep.

If you cross paths with one of them, it’s considered bad luck. But the dark-colored felines have also been labeled as scary and folded into the Halloween tradition.

What did they do to deserve that?

Well, according to articles, connections between humans and cats can be traced back to early civilizations, most notably ancient Egypt. They were considered – hey there! – divine symbols.

In Greek mythology, Hecate, goddess of magic, sorcery, the moon and witchcraft, was said to have a cat both as a pet and a “familiar,” according to History.com. A familiar was said to be a supernatural creature that assists a witch, according to European folklore.

So there’s your link. Written records connect black cats to the occults as far back as the 13^th century, when an official church document was issued by Pope Gregory IX in 1233. Believe it or not, black cats were declared an incarnation of Satan in the decree!

That’s when the felines started really becoming inextricably linked to witches. There and medieval Europe where there were witch hunts.

No one knows why the fear of cats was narrowed to black cats (perhaps because they are stealthy at night and better mousers?), but the belief spread across the Atlantic via Puritan colonists. Witches, it was believed, could take the shape of their feline pets.

So take your pick. Are black cats devilish? Are they witches in disguise?

Neither of course. They are simply good pets that have become Halloween icons.

Let’s give them some love!

 

Do you know the origin of the black cat?