Black Cat Tales, Symbols and Meanings

Black Cats Around the World

In India, people feared black felines on the road, and to have one cross your way is a most unfortunate omen. In some regions, luck is determined by the cat's direction: if it crossed you from left to right, you can expect good luck. If it crossed from right to left, expect a bad turn of fortune.

In ancient Persia, you would bring harm to yourself by annoying a black cat, who is really your hemzad, or your higher self, born to accompany you in your earthly journey.

In the highlands of Scotland, black kitties are diffusers of evil and misfortune. They like to put a black furball on their porch to repel bad luck and attract positive energy.

In England, folks bestow blessings on a black cat that passed them by or crossed their path. They are thankful that it swept an oncoming trouble away from them.

For the Chinese, the black cat exudes mixed symbolisms. It may symbolize coming poverty for some, but a symbol of impending prosperity for others. Cats with pure black fur are an omen of illness and poverty in some regions. The ancient Chinese ran away from an oncoming blackie, which was believed to be throwing misfortune toward them. In most parts of China, sable cats are a living lucky charm and were tied inside shops to keep drumming up business! The Chinese picked the oldest cat they can keep as pets because cats bring greater luck as they age. Though cared for very well, these mousers enjoy less freedom. They are tied within the shop or home because if they leave their owner's house, they take away good luck with them.

Sailors and Cats Black

 A black kitten is kept by seafarers on their ship to calm the seas and tame the winds.  A cat is never thrown overboard: this was a major violation of maritime conduct and would allegedly cause dangerous sea storms.  In old Scarborough, the superstitious sailor's wife pampered a black cat, which kept her husband safe at sea.

Black Cats in Love

 In Southern England, the coal-black cat is a symbol of a good marriage and future. The origin of this tradition is unknown, but it seems the black- colored cat was seen as capturing negativity and ill fortune in a household.  A chubby cat with shiny jet-black fur is just the thing to give to a couple on their wedding day. This is imperative for excellent marriage luck, according to a Midland tradition.