Blog 14 | Black Cats
🎃 With Halloween this month, we decided to see what the connection was between black cats and witches. Black cats have a long, complex history in folklore and superstition. Whether they’re seen as lucky or unlucky depends entirely on the culture and time period.
Are Black Cats Lucky or Unlucky?
Unlucky (Primarily in Western Superstition)
- In medieval Europe, black cats were associated with witches, sorcery, and the Devil.
- People believed witches could shape-shift into black cats, or that black cats were their familiars—supernatural creatures that assisted in magic.
- Crossing paths with a black cat was thought to bring bad luck, especially at night, since they were believed to be omens of death or misfortune.
Lucky (In Other Cultures)
- In Scottish folklore, a black cat appearing on your doorstep is a sign of prosperity.
- In Japanese culture, black cats are seen as good luck, especially for single women— they’re thought to attract potential suitors.
- Pirates and sailors believed black cats brought good luck at sea and often kept them on ships to ensure safe voyages.
🧙 Black Cats and Witches: What’s the Connection?
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Medieval Witch Hunts:
- During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, black cats were often killed alongside women accused of witchcraft.
- The Church helped spread the belief that black cats were either demonic or witches in disguise.
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Familiar Spirits:
- In witchcraft lore, a familiar is a spiritual companion—often in the form of a cat, toad, or bird—given to a witch by the Devil.
- Black cats, being stealthy and nocturnal, fit the image of a mysterious magical companion perfectly.
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Halloween Symbolism:
- The image of a witch with her black cat became entrenched in Victorian Halloween postcards and pop culture, reinforcing the association.
- Today, they remain a spooky symbol, but often in a more playful or decorative way.
So after reading our blog, are you superstitious and do you think black cats are lucky or unlucky? Let us know in the comments below.
Purrfect regards
