Folklore

Black Cats: Myths and Superstitions

Are black cats good luck or bad luck?

The ancient Egyptians saw black cats as Divine, and believed that gods lived within them. /Polski on Pixabay.

Poor black cats can never seem to get a break. From ancient times to the present, black cats have been considered bad luck. The black cat is always seen as the villain.

The belief that black cats are bad luck is ingrained in our consciousness. We see this played out in many forms.

For example, many people still will not let a black cat cross their path. And black cats are also the least likely to be adopted from shelters because of the superstition surrounding them.

So, how did the black cat end up with such a bad rap?

The black cat as the bearer of bad luck is rooted in fear, superstition, and myths.

Let’s take a look at how the black cat got such a bad reputation in the first place. Then we’ll see how black cats are well respected and even worshipped in some cultures.

Greek Mythology

How did the black cat come to be associated with bad luck and evil?

One theory claims it began in Greek mythology. According to this theory, Hera (Zeus’ wife) transformed her servant Galinthias into a black cat out of anger.