Discussing The Holiday That Celebrates And Raises Awareness About Black Cats
There is a unique and special relationship humans have created with cats since their domestication over 10,000 years ago. This is especially true in regards to black cats. Throughout human history, black cats have been both worshiped and feared among different eras and civilizations. Black cats are such special creatures that October 27th is widely celebrated as National Black Cat Day! This article will take an in-depth look into the history of black cats, why they have been both loved and hated amongst different cultures, and the holiday that honors them.
The History Of Cats
History shows us that cats have been a part of human life & civilizations for over 10,000 years. According to the LIbrary Of Congress, all modern day domesticated house cats can trace their ancestry back to the North African/Southwest Asian wildcat. Also known as Felis silvestris lybica. The relationship between humans and these wildcats was mutually beneficial. The cats would chase, eat, and scare off any vermin trying to eat any crops or grains stored away. In return, cats would have a dry, warm, place to live and plenty of scrap food.
How people view and treat cats will vary from culture to culture and place to place. For example, the ancient Egyptians worshiped cats and regarded them as divine symbols of the gods. Killing a cat in ancient egypt was forbidden and was punishable by death. Additionally, cats were also worshiped by the ancient chinese. Chinese farmers worshiped the cat goddess Li Shou, goddess of fertility. Even in Islam culture, cats are welcomed into mosques and believed to protect homes from evil spirits.
The History Of Black Cats
While some cultures worshiped cats, not all cultures shared this view. This is especially true for black cats. Medieval Germans believed themselves to be cursed when a black cat crossed their path. Additionally, medieval Spain and France viewed black cats as bringers of bad luck and curses.
In the United States, there is a strong association between black cats and Halloween dating back to colonial times. History.com reports that the pilgrims of the Plymouth colony were very superstitious of black cats. They distrusted anything that was related to witches or sorcery, which included black cats. The Puritan pilgrims actively hunted, and burned black cats out of fear and hatred. It was a bad time and place to be a black cat.
Celebrating Black Cats
However, some cultures viewed black cats in a more positive light. Both the Japanese and the people of the British Islands considered black cats to be good luck. It was thought that housing black cats would bring good luck & fortune. It would seem that how people viewed black cats drastically varied depending on where you lived and what era you lived in. Regardless of how a culture perceived them, it seems that people across the world were fixated on black cats.
Thankfully, black cats are no longer burned alive due to their supposed relation to witchcraft. But, many people today are still very superstitious and even distrusting of black cats. The aim of National Black Cat Day is to break these superstitions and raise awareness about how black cats make incredible pets. Black cats are just as affectionate, playful, and adorable as any other cat. As the saying goes, don’t judge a book by it’s cover.”
How You Can Observe The Holiday
It’s no coincidence that National Black Cat Day occurs in late October, just days before Halloween. One great way to celebrate this amazing holiday is to use black cat decorations for Halloween. It’s a great way to celebrate their heritage and their spooky persona. Additionally, you can also celebrate National Black Cat Day by watching some movies or tv shows that include black cats. Some examples include Sylvester from Looney Tunes, Cat People, Legend of The Demon Cat, The Black Cat, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
Furthermore, you can also observe National Black Cat Day by adopting a black cat yourself. Keep in mind that owning a pet is a bug responsibility, so only do so if you have the time & resources. Lastly, be sure to spread the word about National Black Cat Day on social media. The more people that know, the more people that can celebrate!
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