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At New Balance, we believe if you run, you're a runner.
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Run your way at newbalance.com slash running. are black cats associated with bad luck?
Thanks for asking.
According to estimations from the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals charity, UK households are home to around 11 million pet cats.
Cats have long been an integral part of human culture, and that has given rise to certain beliefs and superstitions.
That's particularly true when it comes to black cats, who have been associated with bad luck and misfortune for centuries.
Why is it black cats in particular?
The association between black cats and bad luck can be traced back to various cultural beliefs and historical events.
One prevailing notion is rooted in medieval Europe, when they were often linked to witchcraft and seen as companions of witches.
This belief fuelled a pervasive fear that encountering a black cat could lead to misfortune or even death.
One of the earliest records linking black cats to the occult was a papal bull issued by Pope Gregory IX in 1233, called Vox in Rama.
In it, he linked cats to Satanism and witchcraft which, according to HistoryColouredcom, led to mass extermination of cats by those loyal to the Church and the Pope.
After the spread of Christianity throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, black cats were even more frowned upon than before.
And this belief carried over to America, where it was part of the Salem Witch Trials in 1692.
The Puritans who settled in Salem were very devout and fearful of anything related to the devil.
They also believed that black cats were a classic part of witch lifestyles and evidence of their evil deeds.
These days, of course, people are less likely to believe in witches, but black cats are still among the most common symbols of Halloween, which has led to their spooky image persisting.
Are there any cultures or regions where black cats are considered symbols of good luck?
Indeed, while black cats have been associated with bad luck in many cultures, there are places where they hold entirely different connotations.
For instance, in ancient Egyptian mythology cats, including black ones, were highly revered and believed to bring good fortune.
Killing a cat, even by accident, was a grave offence punishable by death.
That was because of their association with the goddess Bastet, who was the goddess of home, fertility and protection.
Similarly, in Japanese folklore, black cats are considered symbols of prosperity and protection against evil spirits.
These positive associations are a testament to the diverse and contrasting beliefs held by different societies, reflecting the rich tapestry of human beliefs and cultures.
There you have it.
Now you know why black cats are associated with bad luck.
In under three minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines.
Listen along and you will really know for sure.
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You know the words dominating today's headlines.
But do you understand how they impact your world and your wallet?
In a world that skims the what, understand the why.
Because context changes everything.
