Cats have been a creature of myth, folklore, and legend as far back as the beginning of time. A cat sneezing is a lucky omen for a bride to witness. Interesting hub--I have a fairly broad knowledge of Hinduism, but I didn't know about folk beliefs such as these. Cats also love Valerian, according to many. Cats mostly land on their feet because of their bone structure and having the ability to manipulate their body quickly (cats also have no collar bone). Check Now: Blue Buffalo • Science Diet • Purina • Wellness • 4health • Canine Carry Outs • Friskies • Taste of the Wild • See 200+ more brands…. Cats were obviously important, and there were enormous cults, which revered these felines. My first experience with Buddhism and Cats happened when one of my former cats, Tara (appropriately named), was discovered on my zafu (meditation cushion). We're often misunderstood (no, black cats are not actually witches in disguise), we're occasionally moody and sometimes we like to push things off of different surfaces (so, what?!). I would have liked to learn more about the rationale behind some of them. Thank you for purchasing my book and learning more about cats and Buddhism! (American superstition) It is unlucky to see a white cat at night. Cats use their whiskers for navigation, moods and figuring out if they can squeeze under the sofa by pushing their heads through first. It is unlucky to weigh a cat or a kitten. In parts of Asia, a person who kills a cat will have the sins of the cat transferred to them, whether the killing is accidental or intentional. Various Cat Superstitions and Folklore Through History. Cats are pretty clean, generally, but when the time comes where you have to actually bathe your cat, make sure you take the proper precautions to prevent a slick escape — and use the right shampoo. Not true, says Animal Planet. Black Cat Superstitions. To dream of a cat is unlucky. If the cat tears of the cushions or carpet with its claws, it is a sign that wind is coming, as we say, “the cat is raising the wind“. ... was a symbol of wind. Cat-shaped decorations used during the New Kingdom of Egypt indicate that the cat cult became more popular in daily life. This may be where the phrase "it's raining cats and dogs" originated (see also "Miscellaneous" section below). Sounds about normal, actually. The Egyptians worshiped a huge pantheon of gods and goddesses, with the inclusion of various sacred animals. In general, if a kitten comes into a house , it is a lucky omen. This episode explores some of those thoughts and talks about how to reframe them. These days, cats enjoy significantly less status than they once had; instead of being overlords, weapons, or supernatural … Many cat superstitions involve weather. Cats have the reputation for being aloof and independent, leading people to believe they can leave a cat alone for long periods. Also, if a cats brushes against the gown of a bride as the bride leaves the church on her wedding day, the bride will have good luck for years to come. We hope you enjoy these five bits of folklore and cultural beliefs about cats! Also, it is unlucky to have a cat when you cross a river. Those who play too much with their cats never have good health. This research is the first to explore differences in cognitions and preferences related to outdoor cat management with three important stakeholder groups. Some attribute such beliefs to the intrinsic mysterious nature of felines. In Slavic mythology, there was a belief that killing a cat would result in man incurs the seven years of tribulation. A German cat superstition says that to dream of a black cat at Christmas is a warning of a serious illness to come. It is unlucky to weigh a cat or a kitten. Evidence to substantially support a black cat as anything more than a cat whose fur happens to be black is lacking, and we mark this myth as false. The cat is climbing up the post. If a cat was to jump across the corpse, the devil would gain control of the soul of the deceased. Jumping over a corpse, cat certainly would turn it into a vampire. We hear so many myths and superstitions about cats from friends, family and folklore, but is there any truth to them? Amazingly, some cats quite like water and even baths. However, the description of the devil as a black cat tapped into already deep-seated cultural beliefs about the nature and symbolic significance of cats … According to History Collection, Vox in Rama firmly established the association between cats and the devil in Christian culture. If the cat while washing its face draws its paw over its forehead it is a sign of good weather. (American superstition) If a cat washes its face, it is a prediction that a visitor will be arriving. In describing the beliefs of Muslims near Tomini Bay (Indonesia), Adriani and Kruijt (1951:317) note Muslims have a special appreciation for the cat and a special set of beliefs related to how one treats cats. Cats possess nine lives. Though history hasn’t been as kind to our furry friends as we are today, their mysterious nature has always been revered. Cats were depicted in … For centuries, cats, especially black ones, have been associated with witchcraft and witches. Feline Meditative Practices. If a cat licks its fur in the opposite way that it naturally lies, there will be significant rain. They may encounter angels manifesting in the form of a cat, see images of a beloved pet who has died and now acts as a spirit guide or guardian or catch sight of cat images that symbolize something God … The Muslim admiration of cats extends beyond the near east. A cat crying on the rooftop of a house means death for the sick inside. She was a warrior goddess, who led the pharaohs in warfare. India and China both had cat fertility goddesses — Sastht and Li Chou, respectively. A German belief says that mistreating a cat can cause a rainstorm to occur on the clothes you’ve hung out to dry. And the Vikings worshipped Freya, the cat … But cats can still land awkwardly and suffer injuries (especially from greater heights). Here are more superstitions about cats. Likewise, a Dutch superstition says that forgetting to feed your cat on your wedding day is an invitation to the rain. It is unlucky to move into a house in which the former occupants have left their cats. She also protected humans from venomous animals, and since venomous creatures, such as snakes and scorpions were (and are) in abundance in the Egypt… Whiskers are not required for balance, but removing or cutting them can affect these other senses. In fact, these 14 black cats make it very difficult to argue that humans and kitties don't have a lot in common. ghosts or spirits. A spotted cat coming to your house is a good luck omen. Here’s a closer look at 7 feline fabrications we hear most often. It was once thought unlucky to let cats die in the house. If you dream of a playful kitten, it means that powerful friends are watching over you. Black cats are notorious among the superstitious, but cats in general are regarded as powerful and mysterious animals across many cultures throughout history. Cats could cause very bad luck if they snuck aboard a boat, but throwing the cat from the boat would surely cause treacherous weather for the crew. On St. John’s Eve (June 23), it was thought that cats left their homes and went to the meeting places of witches. It is also entirely antithetical to the revered place held by the cat when it was first domesticated in Egypt around 3000 BC. Why do we harbor so many beliefs about cats? After all, who's ever heard of a black dog bringing bad luck? There are several unlucky numbers in … If a cat follows you when you leave home, it is an omen of bad luck. In Scotland it was thought that epysipelas (a horrible skin infection) could be cured by letting the blood from a cat’s ear drop onto the infected area. Centuries ago, black cats were thought to be witches because they were most active at night. Other beliefs are rooted in ancient Pagan animist culture in Japan, and regards living and natural things as having spirits or powers, making some animals and depiction of animals as bringers of both good and bad fortune. People claimed they caused bad luck, were reincarnated witches in feline form or did witches’ evil biddings. If the family cat should sneeze three times in a row, the family will soon suffer from the flu. Some in Scotland believed that human disease could be transferred to cats, as well. Group membership was predicted by cat ownership, attitudes toward and beliefs about outdoor cats, perceived impacts, risk perceptions, and management attitudes. When the cat died, the family would shave their eyebrows and enter a state of mourning. They say that if a cat comes upon it, they will instantly dig it up. But once a cat dies, it’s definitely not coming back for 8 more turns. There are shrines that worship cats as gods across Japan and cats have also played a part in folk beliefs through the ages. More specifically cats play a role in one’s destiny in the afterlife. The protective function of cats is indicated in the Book of the Dead, where a cat represents Ra and the benefits of the sun for life on Earth. 3* Black and white cats bring good luck. The belief that black cats are a bad omen is also a Western superstition, and I've read that Native Americans believe seeing an owl is inauspicious. If a kitten comes into a house in the evening, it is an omen of evil unless the kitten stays in the house, which will prevent the evil from taking place. Cats are said to be able to see better in the dark than in the light. Many people believed that witches and black cats worked together. The first belief recognises that humans exist on a continuum with the rest of life and that we are not completely separated from other animals. 1* The most popular superstition about cats in general is that a cat has nine lives. For that reason, cats were to be protected and venerated. In some parts of China, especially in the southern part, cats are said to have the ability to see stuff that people can't see. In Ireland, it is considered highly unlucky for a family to take their cat with them when they move. Mistletoe: Superstitions, Folklore & History, Origins of Christmas Traditions and December 25th Significance, Sayings About Cats – Some Forgotten Proverbs. If not, it means speedy rain. Ancient Egyptian cats had a sacred status in because of the religious beliefs of Egyptian society. When the cat licks its paws, it also means company, and the company will come from the direction in which its tail is pointing. The most common beliefs about cats through the centuries Rated 6 points - posted 11 years ago by kris in category Other. May cats are also inclined to be sad and melancholy. In Massachusetts a cat putting its paw over its head means company is coming. Superstition #3: Black Cats Are Good Luck Black cats are also believed to bring good luck in many ways. An old superstition said that cat hair was thought to be indigestible and it was believed that you would die if you got it into your stomach. People sometimes keep cats to keep these "dirty/bad stuff" out of their home. Cats may also experience pain with whisker removal, since whiskers are located in a facial area that is rich in nerves and blood vessels. It used to be believed that if a cat tail was cut off, the cat could not take part in the Witches Sabbath. In other words, they require killing nine times before they remain permanently defunct. A well-socialized cat wants to be around his or her family, and loves to play and be petted. Egyptians believed cats were magical creatures, capable of bringing good luck to the people who housed them. A New England superstition says that if you give a friend a cat, your friendship will end. 1. the traditional beliefs, myths, tales, and practices of a people, transmitted orally. In ancient Egypt, black cats were held in the highest esteem because they resembled Bastet, the cat-headed Egyptian goddess of home, fertility, and protection from disease. Instead of saving the birds or small animals outside, you might create a super-stealthy predator — or, as a Petful reader helpfully pointed out, reveal your cat’s exact location to bigger predators. There are many sub-traditions within Hinduism, but there are two beliefs about humans which seem to dominate the religion’s view of animals. The most widespread belief was that domestic cats carried the divine essence of Bastet (or Bast), the cat-headed goddess who represented fertility, domesticity, music, dance and pleasure. Although these myths and superstitions aren’t going away anytime soon, it’s good to know the difference between reality and fantasy when it comes to our cats and their safety. Irish folklore features a big black cat named Iruscan. Also, cats born in May will never catch mice or rats, but will instead bring into the house snakes, worms, and other undesirable reptiles. Here’s an example of a cat landing gone awry: This particular myth depends on how much you believe in superstitions. So take precautions around your house to make sure your cat doesn’t have access to anything that will cause him injury, whether it’s a choking hazard or a high open window without a screen. They are said to, “draw your breath away”. While male cats get accused of being the guilty pee party, any cat can spray urine to mark territory, according to the ASPCA. Whiskers are not required for balance, but removing or cutting them can affect these other senses. During medieval times cats ranked as evil spirits and it was believed that black cats were the cleaver assistants of witches and that they bring bad luck. Undoubtedly, cats have become part of the folklore of many cultures. Birds and other animals don’t have an instinct for associating bells with imminent danger, and cats can learn to move quietly, even with the bell. In parts of England it was believed that cats’ eyes dilated and contracted with the flow and ebb of the tide. 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