Black cats have played a major role for centuries in folklore, superstition, and mythology. Black cats in the middle ages were believed to be witches’ familiars, and some people even believed them to be witches incarnate. Many of these old superstitions about black cats exist to this day.
Explore the mythology and lore about black cats, witches, and other beliefs that carry on in the 21st century, especially around Halloween.
Black Cats and Luck
Depending on one’s area of the world (and the century one lived in), black cats portend either good or bad luck. Here are some examples, a couple of them quite involved, with some tongue-in-cheek asides.
In Asia and the U.K., a black cat is considered lucky.
In Yorkshire, England, it may be lucky to own a black cat, but it is unlucky to have one cross your path.
To dream of a black cat is lucky.
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. I wonder who makes up these things?
A funeral procession meeting up with a black cat is believed to forecast the death of another family member.
In 16th-century Italy, people believed that if someone was sick he would die if a black cat lay on his bed.
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.
A strange black cat on a porch brings prosperity to the owner. (Scottish Lore)
A black cat seen from behind portends a bad omen. (And a black cat seen from the front is a GOOD omen?)
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.
If a black cat crosses your path while you’re driving, turn your hat around backward 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? Please, don’t try this one at home! (Or while you’re driving.)
