7 Cute Cat Superstitions from Around the World
Cats have a long history of keeping humans and rodents guessing. Their graceful movements, sharp instincts and long, watchful gazes are the sources of countless myths, legends and superstitions across the globe. Some older traditions painted cats as omens of bad luck, but others celebrated them for hundreds of years – painting as symbols of good fortune, protection, and prosperity.
Good Luck Cats in Japan
If you’ve ever seen a little cat figurine with one paw raised, you’ve spotted the Maneki-neko, or “beckoning cat.” This beloved symbol is thought to bring good fortune and wealth, inspiring shops and restaurants to display them all over the country.
Sailors and Cats in Europe
In old European maritime traditions, sailors believed cats on board ships brought good luck and safe passage. They were already an invaluable resource – keeping rodents in check and preventing the spread of disease. Being both a practical and “magical” shipmate, sailors started to attribute Cats were also invaluable for controlling rodents, which made them both practical and “magical” shipmates. Some sailors even believed a cat could protect them from bad weather!
Scottish Fortune-Telling Cats
In Scotland, it’s considered good luck if a strange cat shows up at your doorstep. A black cat is thought to bring prosperity and happiness to the household – quite the opposite reputation to the black cats living in North America. Instead of being feared, they’re welcomed as furry and friendly good omens.
Egypt’s Divine Cats
In ancient Egypt, cats were considered sacred. They were associated with the goddess Bastet, who symbolized home, fertility, and protection. Killing a cat – even by accident – was a crime punishable by death. Egyptians believed cats brought divine blessings to the family that cared for them. We could all take a page from ancient Egypt and treat our kitties with respect.
Wedding Day Cats in Italy
In Italian folklore, hearing a cat sneeze on your wedding day is a sign of good luck for the couple. It’s seen as a blessing for a long, happy marriage. Next time you find yourself attending a wedding in Italy, bring some black pepper to throw in the air in case you see a cat near by!
Russian Wealth Cats
In Russia, it’s a common tradition to let a cat be the first to enter a new home. This is believed to bring prosperity and happiness to the family. Some even say that a cat will absorb any negative energy lingering in the space, making it cozy and safe. It also feeds into the idea that cats can interact with different planes of reality.
Cats as Guardians in Nordic Folklore
Norse mythology tells us that the goddess Freyja, associated with love and fertility, rode in a chariot pulled by two large cats. Farmers would often leave out bowls of milk for cats in hopes of receiving the goddess’s blessings for a good harvest.
Final Thoughts
No matter where you are in the world, there is most likely some sort of superstition associated with cats. It could be their mysterious aura, but it could also be the fact they interact with people more than any other animal (though dogs give them a good run for their money).
So, whether you find yourself in a restaurant in Japan, or an Italian wedding, or an Italian wedding in a Japanese restaurant, keep an eye out