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Why Black Cats Have Been Wrongly Portrayed as Bad Luck Through History
February 28, 2023 at 5:00 AM
by Daniel Mule
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The superstition that black cats are bad luck is one that has been prevalent for centuries. From ancient Egypt to England and many countries in between, black cats have been accused of being symbols of evil and misfortune. But why?

In Ancient Egypt, cats were associated with the goddess Bastet, who was commonly portrayed with a woman's body and a cat's head. They were believed to be symbols of protection and were very respected in society, but this changed when Christianity began to become more popular. Christians viewed cats as evil because of Satan's alleged connection with them, and this belief spread to other parts of the world over time. In England, the belief that black cats bring bad luck became more entrenched in the Middle Ages. People strongly associated black cats with witchcraft due to their close relationship with the devil, and they feared that coming into contact with one would put them in harm's way.

This fear was heightened by the Salem Witch Trials, during which any cat, particularly black cats, were thought to be a sign of witchcraft and devilry. This led to many innocent cats being put to death in an attempt to quell the hysteria. Even after the trials, the superstition remained, with the belief that black cats bring bad luck only fading in recent times. In truth, the belief that black cats bring bad luck is unfounded.

Though this superstition has stuck around for centuries, the truth is that black cats are no more associated with bad luck than any other colored cats. This is a belief that has been handed down through folklore, used to divert attention away from certain communities seen as a threat to those in power. At the end of the day, there is no real evidence that black cats bring bad luck – it's nothing more than an unfounded belief. Though certain countries may still be reluctant to accept cats with dark fur, it's important to remember that black cats should not be feared.

After all, humans have no reason to fear these majestic and beautiful creatures