A witch and a black cat form a classic duo in folklore and popular culture. This iconic pairing has been depicted in various mediums, from literature to film, often carrying a mysterious and sinister connotation. The association between witches and black cats has existed for centuries, with different interpretations and beliefs surrounding their relationship. While some view the black cat as a familiar spirit that aids the witch in her magical endeavors, others consider it a symbol of bad luck and evil. One of the earliest references to the connection between witches and black cats dates back to ancient Egypt, where cats were revered and worshipped. The Egyptians believed that cats possessed special powers and were associated with the goddess Bastet, who was believed to be the protector of pharaohs.
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Druidic culture was pagan and often matrilineal, involving a pantheon of gods and animalistic spirits, witches, or wise ones, who acted as healers, tribal leaders, and sages. In the Middle Ages, black cats were believed to be witches familiars, and many even believed that black cats were reincarnated witches or messengers of witches or demons.
The Egyptians believed that cats possessed special powers and were associated with the goddess Bastet, who was believed to be the protector of pharaohs. Cats, including black ones, were often kept in homes as a form of protection against evil spirits and misfortune. As Christianity spread across Europe, the perception of black cats took a darker turn.
Black Cat Superstitions and Their Origins
Black cats have played a major role in superstitions, folklore and mythology for centuries. In the Middle Ages, black cats were believed to be witches’ familiars, and many even believed that black cats were reincarnated witches or messengers of witches or demons. The association of black cats with witches has become so ingrained in our culture that they’ve become synonymous with Halloween.
The cat wasn’t associated with witchcraft until sometime in the 16th century. A popular British legend claims that in the 1560’s, a father and son were frightened by a small creature darting across their path on a moonless night. After throwing stones after the creature, they saw that it was an injured black cat dart out of a crawl space and into the home of a woman suspected to be a witch. When the father and son saw the woman on the street the next day, the woman walked with a limp and had a bruised and bandaged face and arm. From that day on, all black cats were suspected of being witches, and apparently, the legend held. This notion of witches transforming themselves into black cats became a mainstay of belief during the Salem witch hunts in America.
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Interestingly, the folklore surrounding black cats varies from culture to culture. In Britain and Japan, having a black cat cross your path is considered good luck; in the United States and several European countries, having a black cat walk by is considered bad luck. It even seems to matter from which direction the black cat comes from: In Germany, some believe that black cats crossing a person’s path from right to left is a bad omen, but from left to right brings good luck.
Black cats are said to bring good luck to sailors, whereas most gamblers believe that when a black cat crosses a player’s path, they should not go to the casino.
Other black cat superstitions include the belief that having a black cat turn his back on your brings bad luck, while having a black cat greet you at the door brings good luck. Meeting a black cat early in the morning is said to bring bad luck, but meeting three black cats in succession is said to bring good fortune.
Thankfully, despite all of these superstitions, black cats have a large, loyal following of people who appreciate these sleek, gorgeous creatures in all their beauty.
If you are owned by one of these black beauties, we’d love it if you would share your pictures on our Facebook page.
This article was first published on Answers.com and is republished with permission.
Featured Image Credit: xiclography, Pixabay
About the author
Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.
They became associated with witchcraft and Satanism, and the superstition that witches could shape-shift into black cats became widespread. The black cat was thus seen as a familiar, an animal companion that aided the witch with her dark magic and served as a conduit between the witch and the spirit world. This negative perception of black cats persisted in the Middle Ages and during the infamous witch trials. Many innocent women accused of witchcraft were often found guilty based on the presence of a black cat in their homes or their supposed ability to transform into one. The association between witches and black cats contributed to the fear and persecution of both throughout history. In modern times, the portrayal of witches and black cats in popular culture has evolved. While they are still commonly depicted together, the association has taken on a more whimsical and less sinister tone. Witches are often portrayed as independent and powerful women with black cats as loyal companions. In this context, the black cat is no longer a symbol of evil or bad luck but rather a representation of intuition, mystery, and the supernatural. In conclusion, the relationship between a witch and a black cat has a long and complex history. From ancient Egypt to modern-day media, their association has evolved and taken on various meanings. Whether viewed as guardians against evil or as supernatural familiars, witches and black cats continue to captivate our imaginations and serve as iconic figures in folklore and popular culture..
Reviews for "The Superstitions Surrounding Black Cats and Witchcraft"
1. Megan - 2/5 - I'm sorry to say that I was not a fan of "Witch and black cat". I found the storyline to be predictable and lacking depth. The characters were one-dimensional and the dialogue felt forced. Overall, it just didn't capture my interest or hold my attention. I was really hoping for a more engaging and captivating read, but unfortunately, this wasn't it for me.
2. Jason - 1/5 - I found "Witch and black cat" to be incredibly boring and unoriginal. The plot felt like a rehashed version of other witch-themed stories I've read before, and it offered nothing new or exciting. Additionally, the writing style was lackluster and didn't draw me in at all. I ended up skimming through most of the book, just trying to get it over with. Overall, I was extremely disappointed and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh and thrilling read.
3. Emma - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Witch and black cat" but was ultimately let down. The pacing of the story felt off, with long stretches of dull and uneventful scenes followed by rushed and chaotic moments. The characters lacked depth and development, and I struggled to feel any connection or sympathy towards them. The writing style also didn't impress me, as it felt stilted and awkward. Overall, there were too many flaws for me to fully enjoy this book, and I wouldn't consider it a standout in the genre.
4. Adam - 2/5 - I found "Witch and black cat" to be a disappointment. The premise had potential, but it fell flat for me. The story lacked suspense and failed to deliver any real surprises. The main characters were not well-developed, and their motivations felt unclear. The dialogue felt unnatural and forced, making it difficult to become fully engrossed in the story. Overall, the book just didn't live up to my expectations and left me wishing for more depth and excitement.