| Are black cats lucky or unlucky? This is a question | | | | Witch trials, ownership of a cat was taken as |
| that has perplexed many people who study the | | | | evidence of witchcraft and was all the proof needed |
| cultures and folklore superstitions of differing traditions. | | | | to condemn both the woman and the cat to a terrible |
| In Britain and Ireland the answer is a definite yes. The | | | | fate. |
| black cat is seen as an extremely lucky omen and is | | | | But the humble cat redeemed itself as controller of |
| welcomed as a sign of good luck to come. | | | | vermin during the Great Plague that swept throughout |
| In other countries and cultures the opposite belief is | | | | Europe. The cat, and in particular the black cat, came |
| held and the black cat can be seen as incredibly | | | | to be seen as a very lucky omen. |
| unlucky. | | | | Good luck superstitions surrounding the black cat |
| In ancient times cats were animals to be revered and | | | | sprung up. To have a black cat as a ship's cat ensured |
| in Ancient Egypt the humble cat was worshiped as a | | | | the safety of the sailors on board. Similarly, wives of |
| sacred animal. The Romans also held the cat in high | | | | fishermen who kept black cats were assured the safe |
| regard and introduced cats as pets throughout Europe. | | | | return of their husbands, despite often perilous sea |
| But as Christianity spread throughout Europe and | | | | conditions. Newly weds were often given a black cat |
| pagans, wise women and adherents to other belief | | | | to bring them luck for their future together. |
| systems were persecuted; the black cat also saw a | | | | Today the symbol of a black cat is often connected |
| downturn in its luck. | | | | with the feast of Halloween and to the Wicca religion. |
| Vulnerable women became the easy target for | | | | It is considered extremely good luck: |
| religious fanatics who wanted a scapegoat to explain | | | | -To own a black cat. |
| the woes of the world. During the Middle Ages they | | | | -To wear black cat charms. |
| were accused of witchcraft and were the victims of | | | | -To have a black cat cross your path. |
| torture, hanging, burning at the stake and drowning. | | | | -To dream of a black cat. |
| These same women often kept cats as companions. | | | | All black cats are lucky but the luckiest black cat is |
| Cats, and in particularly black cats, (deemed the colour | | | | said to be female, completely jet black with black |
| of evil) were seen as "Witch's Familiars" or partners in | | | | whiskers and green eyes. If you come across a cat |
| crime to the accused Witch, and the poor animal | | | | such as this, repeat this rhyme and good luck is sure to |
| suffered similar fates to those of their mistresses. In | | | | come your way. |