If you call a few of the creepy signs of Halloween, you make sure to point out witches, jack-o’-lanterns, bats, ghosts, and naturally, black cats. With spiky arched backs and radiant green eyes, they definitely contribute to any creepy scene if they sneak around your Halloween decors. Perhaps you or somebody you understand really fears black cats, however have you ever questioned why?
That worry might come from the black cat misconception that they might do you damage in some way. It has actually continued through the centuries, so you’re not alone, and it ends up being a point of discussion specifically when Halloween rolls around. So why not face your worry head on and lastly ask the concern: Are black cats truly misfortune? Once you understand the history, you might not be so alarmed after all. In fact, one might just bring you good fortune!
Why are black cats associated with Halloween?
The biggest link between black cats and Halloween has to do with who are often seen as the owners of such creatures: witches. In medieval Europe, the Christian church increased in popularity, causing society to cast out pagan religions like Wicca. Witches became symbols of evil, and because of their beliefs in the natural world, the connection to domesticated animals like cats became suspect. In fact, many believed witches themselves could transform into black cats as disguises.
While the association specifically with black cats is not entirely known, black is often considered the symbol of death and mourning. It may have ultimately been the imagery of the time that solidified the link between witches and black cats, but nevertheless, that connection has endured. Where there is Halloween, there are witches. And where there are witches, there are black cats. And here’s an interesting Halloween fact: Both witches and black cats are still some of the most popular Halloween costumes!
Does a black cat mean bad luck?
If you believe Pope Gregory IX from 1233, black cats symbolize Satan and are therefore, bad luck. Yup, that’s how long that myth has endured! It is connected to the superstitions of the Catholic church and the sanctioned witch hunts to weed out any heretics that crossed them. And while many humans perished for this bewitching connection, so did many cats. In fact, cats were eventually blamed for the bubonic plague because they were considered evil. (It’s interesting to note that killing cats for this reason completely backfired; the loss of such agile hunters made the disease worse, since it is spread by rats!)
Not all societies or religions believed that black cats were evil. In fact, many believe black cats are good luck! Take ancient Egypt, for example. Cats were revered because of their resemblance to the goddess Bastet. Some were even buried alongside their owners to be with them in the afterlife! In Japan, they are also considered signs of good luck and prosperity. So, now that you understand they symbolize both, it’s up to you to decide which on is correct.
What happens if a black cat crosses your path?
If a black cat comes your way, your fate is determined by what you’ve decided: Are they bad luck or good luck? If you believe they are evil, then a black cat crossing your path might mean something bad will happen. Again, going back to medieval times, many believed black cats were either transformed witches themselves or would be sending a witch your way.
However, if you believe the opposite, the appearance of a black cat is a sign of positive things to come! In France, it is believed that something magical will come your way. To many European sailors, keeping a black cat on board meant a safe journey (with a significantly reduced rodent population to boot). And in Japan, while they are considered lucky for everyone, they are thought to bring extra luck to single women looking for love. So go ahead, don’t be scared. Get a black cat and good things will happen. You can even pick a popular name connected with a well-known witch and be prepared for Halloween every year!
Commerce Editor
AnnMarie Mattila is the Commerce Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering items varying from home, style, appeal, and more.
