THE BAD LUCK OF THE BLACK CAT
The "Gatto Nero Day" falls annually on November 17 (a non-random date, as seventeen is an "unlucky" number).
Established about fifteen years ago by the Italian Association for the Defense of Animals and the Environment, this day was born mainly to fight and break down the numerous beliefs and superstitions that have accompanied black cats since time immemorial.
In fact, over the centuries and as the ages have changed, these felines have been subject to a series of beliefs and theories that have led them from being idolized to even being persecuted.
For example, in the time of the ancient Egyptians, all cats were especially loved and considered sacred animals. Those who killed them could even be sentenced to death.
On the contrary, a very different treatment was reserved for them during the Middle Ages where, due to their coat, black cats were associated with the devil, hell and mourning.
In particular, in 1232 Pope Gregory IX declared that they were related to witches and that, consequently, they should be burned at the stake together with them.
Over time these beliefs have changed, but still today not all cultures have the same opinions regarding this animal:
Those just listed are all reasons why the daily commitment of these associations is fundamental in the fight against those superstitions that too often lead to phenomena such as the mistreatment and killing of these animals.
Established about fifteen years ago by the Italian Association for the Defense of Animals and the Environment, this day was born mainly to fight and break down the numerous beliefs and superstitions that have accompanied black cats since time immemorial.
In fact, over the centuries and as the ages have changed, these felines have been subject to a series of beliefs and theories that have led them from being idolized to even being persecuted.
For example, in the time of the ancient Egyptians, all cats were especially loved and considered sacred animals. Those who killed them could even be sentenced to death.
On the contrary, a very different treatment was reserved for them during the Middle Ages where, due to their coat, black cats were associated with the devil, hell and mourning.
In particular, in 1232 Pope Gregory IX declared that they were related to witches and that, consequently, they should be burned at the stake together with them.
Over time these beliefs have changed, but still today not all cultures have the same opinions regarding this animal:
- Seafaring superstitions consider it a good luck charm both for those at sea and for those waiting for it on land
- In Anglo-Saxon and Japanese cultures it is considered auspicious and is considered the bringer of luck and prosperity
- In Latvia, the birth of black cats is thought to signal the arrival of a good harvest
- In Germany it is believed that a black cat crossing the road from the left brings good luck, while crossing from the right brings bad luck
- In China it is an omen of misery and poverty
- In the USA, Spain and Italy it is associated with bad luck
Those just listed are all reasons why the daily commitment of these associations is fundamental in the fight against those superstitions that too often lead to phenomena such as the mistreatment and killing of these animals.