You Shouldn’t Be Fearful of Black Cats this Halloween: Debunking the Superstitions
By Olwen Simpson
As Halloween draws near, the symbol of the black cat is seen frequently. Statues poised around houses as decoration, ears and tails sold in costume shops, a witch’s sidekick on the messy drawings children bring home from school.
They are depicted as creatures of the night – sneaky and enchanted, enhancing the magic and fun of this holiday season. However, the darker depictions of witches throughout history and their supposed links to the devil create a different narrative, allowing the more superstitious among us to see these gorgeous animals as symbols of bad luck. This superstition, despite being nothing more than just that- a superstition- can lead to misconceptions and, in some cases, violence.
The associations between cats and evil can be tracked back to the 13th century, where they were first thought to represent Satan [1]. In 1233, Pope Gregory IX claimed black cats had evil intent on earth in a church document, which also signified the start of the church-sanctioned witch hunts [1].
The Christian church within Europe at that time were intimidated by faith groups led by female figures, and therefore deemed women who refused to follow their patriarchal way of life witches [4]. Witch hunting was concocted in an attempt to suppress female independence and alternative lifestyle choices [1]. But how did these misogynistic historical attitudes lead to the conjuring of our modern-day superstitions of black cats?
Wrongly, love and companionship between animals and humans was seen by society at that time as devilish. As these historical ‘witches’ were known to respect and honour flora and fauna and have a heartfelt appreciation for nature, they commonly kept pets – having a bond with animals that was unusual [1]. A woman’s association with cats particularly was said to be a key indicator of the presence of witchcraft. A cat’s independent disposition was taken as a direct disregard for authority and was not accepted by the church – unlike dogs or horses, living things that did not directly serve human needs were seen as wild and sinful [1].
Both independent women and independent animals alike caused confusion and anger within society. The magicking of women and cats into the same category, claiming them both to be deviant forms of being, highlights the sexism within the early Christian church. This repulsive dehumanization was a grasp at control by the male dominated faith and links the hatred and fear of cats to gender prejudices.
Fears and wariness of cats eventually evolved into a more specific fear of black cats. Within medieval Europe it was believed that devils and witches could morph into the bodies of these animals.
A black cat should be avoided; you would either be crossing paths with a witch on a mission or with the devil [1]. This belief continued into the renaissance as it was commonly believed that seeing a black cat on your journey meant that a witch had sent her familiar after you.
And hence originated the cursed superstitions surrounding black cats today; bad omens, bewitched brains and dark magic. They will bring you disagreeable luck if you find one on your way – sin lurks in their shadows.
Although these superstitions and stories are inriguing, it is important to remember that reality contrasts greatly from these misogynistic delusions. Cats are good creatures, deeply sweet and misunderstood.
The ancient fears created by the church are poisonous, unwarranted, and can even put cats at risk of harm– specifically around Halloween. Back in October 2015, whilst pumpkins were being cut and carved, ready to illuminate the streets on the 31st, a woman from County Antrim tragically lost her black cat Tom. A group of cold-hearted teenagers had kicked the poor creature to death [3].
This is a prime example of the fiction surrounding black cats being taken too seriously and actions taken too far. It is necessary to debunk the superstitions that have grown from stories and outdated beliefs.
Despite the cursed depictions throughout history which still creep around these animals, there have also been many positive representations of cats that are a truer insight of their demeanor.
In Irish Celtic mythology, black cats were actually thought to bestow joy, good luck and riches [2]. An even greater juxtaposition to modern day stereotypes is the Bog Cat. This was a creature that the Celts believed lived on the banks of Lough Neagh – said to be big and nimble [2]. This crafty cat also gifted blessings to everyone who crossed its path, leaving happiness in its wake.
So shouldn’t we feel fortunate to have crossed paths with a black cat, rather than cursed?
Sources:
[1] Yuko, Elizabeth. 2021. “Why Black Cats Are Associated with Halloween and Bad Luck.” HISTORY. A&E Television Networks. October 13, 2021. https://www.history.com/news/black-cats-superstitions.
[2]- Khaliela. 2023. “Celtic Cat Myths and Legends | Khaliela Wright.” Khalielawright.com. April 30, 2023. https://khalielawright.com/celtic-cat-myths-and-.
[3] Abernethy, Laura. 2015. “Grandmother Tells of Her Heartbreak as Thugs Kick Beloved Pet Cat to Death.” BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. October 29, 2015. https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/grandmother-tells-ofherheartbreak-as-thugs-kick-beloved-pet-cat-to-death/34151199.html#.
[4] “‘A Witch, a Cat Woman’: Cat Woman’s Patriarchal Roots.” n.d. TRIVIA: Voices of Feminism. https://www.triviavoices.com/a-witch-a-cat-woman-cat-womans-patriarchal-roots.html.
