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Black Cat Myths

Throughout history, black cats have been steeped in myth and mystery. Depending on the country and culture, the symbolism and superstitions associated with them can be both positive and negative. Of course, in reality the color of a cat's coat has nothing to do with good or bad luck ... or does it? Put your black cat myths I.Q. to the test and decide for yourself what you believe!

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black cat
In ancient times, black cats were originally idolized by which culture?

Greek

Roman

Egyptian

Chinese

Correct! Incorrect.

The Egyptian goddess Bast, of the 22nd Dynasty, was believed to take the form of a black cat. Many ancient Egyptians tried to court her favor by adding a black cat to their own household, in the hopes that she would eventually become part of the animal's spirit and subsequently grace their home with riches and prosperity.

shadow of a cat
During the 15th century, black cats started to get a bad rap as a result of their association with:

Priests

Witches

Haunted Barns

Artists

Correct! Incorrect.

Witch hunts and related trials reached a point of mass hysteria during the 15th century, yet the focus wasn't just on suspected witches but their "familiars" as well -- i.e., animals that embodied a supernatural spirit and powers that could be used to cast spells. Black cats became the animals most commonly thought to be familiars, and subsequently, they often met the same judgment and fate as their owners.

british crown
Which member of the British monarchy owned a black cat that he considered to be his GOOD luck charm, to the point that he insisted the cat be guarded 24 hours a day?

King James I

King Philip

King Charles I

King Charles II

Correct! Incorrect.

Maybe King Charles I of England was on to something, as his luck seemed to run out right after his beloved cat passed away. The next day, Oliver Cromwell's parliamentary troops came and arrested Charles; shortly after, he was taken to the scaffold and beheaded!

bag pipe
King Charles I wasn't the only one who regarded black cats in a positive light. Which of the following countries considers black cats a sign of good things to come?

United Kingdom

Japan

Scotland

All of the Above

Correct! Incorrect.

As far as these countries are concerned, a black cat symbolizes nothing but good fortune. In Scotland, one spotted on a porch is an even stronger sign of riches and prosperity on the way.

barn cat
The black cat also has folklore ties to which trade?

Fishing

Farming

Carpentry

Tailoring

Correct! Incorrect.

According to legend, fishermen's wives were known to keep a black cat in the home while their husbands were out at sea, to ensure their safe return.

black cat
True or False: A black cat walking toward someone is a sign of good luck.

True

False

Correct! Incorrect.

It's one of the most commonly misunderstood myths associated with black cats, but whether it's a good or bad thing all hinges on directions. If a black cat is walking toward someone, that's good; however, a black cat walking away from someone is believed to take the good luck with it.

black cat
The coat of a black cat carries its own set of superstitions, including the belief that all black cats possess a single white hair that, if found and extracted without the person getting scratched, means which of the following is imminent?

An unexpected but positive career change

A healthy, happy baby

A long and prosperous marriage

A generous inheritance

Correct! Incorrect.

While the mysterious single white hair is directly tied in to marriage, some also believe that just stroking the fur of black cats can bring both health and wealth.

black cat silhouette
Which of the following parts on a black cat is believed to have the ability to cure a sty if rubbed over the eye?

Ears

Tail

Nose

Front paws

Correct! Incorrect.

Of course, the tricky part would be getting the cat -- black or otherwise -- not to freak out while you're attempting to rub their tail on your eye!

cat with sick person
True or False: A black cat is thought to aid in the healing of a sick person when sitting next to them on their bed.

True

False

Correct! Incorrect.

A superstition that originated in Italy, the presence of a black cat sitting bedside with the ill actually serves as a sign that death is near.

black cat with arched back
The image of a black cat with an arched back, protruding claws and bared teeth is most commonly associated with:

The women's movement

The worker's movement

The civil rights movement

The restoration movement

Correct! Incorrect.

The iconic image, also known as the wild cat or sabot cat, was designed by Ralph Chaplin, who was prominently involved with the Industrial Workers of the World, a union that came into the spotlight in the early 20th century during their fight to organize women and people of color, along with advocating for an eight-hour workday.

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You've got the black cat basics down pat!

The Cat's Meow

You're practically a scholar when it comes to black cat fact AND fiction!

 
 

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