ARE BLACK CATS WITCHES ?

Black cats have long been and for some people still are associated with witches and witchcraft, and therefore most of the costumes and decorations for Halloween are black cats and witches. Why it is so has been almost forgotten.

The Catholics have always celebrated the first of November as "The Solemnity of All Saints " and therefore October 31st is designated as All Hallows' Eve; because all Saints celebrated on Nov. 1st are considered hallowed. And that's why in almost all European countries the deads are remembered and everybody brings flowers to the graves of family and friends, which really has nothing to do with Halloween as it is known in the States, UK and Ireland. It is only coming since a few years to other European countries and every year celebrated more and more.

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That black cats are witches was largely believed in the Middle Age and the poor cat was considered as very evil. Because cats are nocturnal and roam at night, they were believed to be supernatural servants of witches, or even witches themselves. They also believed that black cats are witches in disguise or reborn witches !

For several centuries "witches" were rounded up, tried, and killed by burning or other violent methods and often their familiars were killed along with them. And of course all black cats had a very hard life and were mostly killed.

But fortunately, regardless of these superstitions, black cats have their own large group of fans who love to be surrounded by these glossy black furr balls of love. And I belong to them. My first cat, Piccola, who shared my life for 20 years was black and brought me only luck !

Now we have Kim who since a few months has completely changed and out of a very shy and almost feral cat (although she came from my friend's breed) became an affectionated and friendly cat after 4 years ! I don't know what happened to her but now she behaves like a "normal" cat and even get's on our nerves as she "talks" so much

I should put her a hat on and give her a broom so with her two spotlights serving as eyes she could well scare people in the neighbourhood !
But then she will probably be accompagnied by Arthur who likes so much to walk around and say hello to everybody !

One thing is good ! At least I have a living Halloween decoration walking through the house !


Kim and Arthur mostly sleeping side by side

TATTLES ABOUT BLACK CATS

As Halloween is approaching I were thinking about black cats and all what is said about them.

This is our cat Kim. She really is a beauty. She is a nice quite cat and loves every cat. She never fights, is friend with everybody and loves to be outside even if it is very cold. She really doesn't fit at all clichés about black cats !

Here are some proverbs about black cats and you also will notice that it varies from one country to the other.

Kim the beauty



and Kim with her "mother" Pookie. Kim still today considers Pookie as her mother because Pookie took care of her when she arrived as a tiny little black furr ball.

and Pookie and Kim today. Kim is much bigger than Pookie she is quite a big cat.

Kim in her beloved garden

• In Asia and the U.K., a black cat is considered lucky.
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  In Yorkshire, England, it may be lucky to own a black cat, but it is unlucky have one cross your path.
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  To dream of a black cat is lucky.
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  On the other paw, seeing a black cat in your dream indicates that you are experiencing some fear in using your psychic abilities and believing in your intuition.

• A funeral procession meeting up with a black cat is believed to forecast the death of another family member.
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  In 16th century Italy, people believed that if someone was sick he would die if a black cat lay on his bed.
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  In North America, it's considered bad luck if a black cat crosses your path and good luck if a white cat crosses your path.

• In the U.K., switch the colors, I guess unless you live in Yorkshire.
  
  
  Finding a white hair on a black cat brings good luck. Don't pluck it though, or your luck may turn bad.
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  A strange black cat on a porch brings prosperity to the owner. (Scottish Lore)
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  A black cat seen from behind brings a bad omen. (And a black cat seen from the front is a GOOD omen?)
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  Ahhh...an explanation here: If a black cat walks towards you, it brings good fortune, but if it walks away, it takes the good luck with it.
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  If a black cat crosses your path while you're driving, turn your hat around backwards and mark an X on your windshield to prevent bad luck. Oh my, what if you aren't wearing a hat? Or you're not carrying a felt-tip pen or lipstick? So carry at least one of the three items always in your car.

Now I wonder in which country should I live ? That's a real problem. But I think I can stay where I am, as so far Kim had brought us only luck.

Here is a link to my Blog "Arthur the all in one cat" where I told his adventures over a couple of month. So if you want to know a little more about him it is here :

ARTHUR THE ALL IN ONE CAT