Black Cats

[erastes]

Just read that we treat black cats differently over here in Blighty.

Lucky if they cross your path here

Unlucky if they cross your path in America

What if anything is your superstition regarding them?

Comments

[yakalskovich]

Here in Germany, I think both traditions more or less coexist. A black cat crossing your path is bad luck. On the other hand, black cats are among the symbols of good luck for New Year, just like shamrocks, chimney sweeps and fat little pink pigs.-

I personally have a black cat in my home (see icon), and I know he's bad luck. **grins** At least Mephisto is the more destructive and more weirdly inventive of my cats. But actually that's probably not owed to his colour but his personality.

[wyldlingspirit.livejournal.com]

I don't have any superstitions personally regarding them, but when I rescued cats I was particular about picking up the black ones. In America stupid people often torment and kill black cats to "neutralize their evil." Sensible shelters don't allow black cats to be adopted near Halloween for fear of the same, or some stupid occult-wannabee sacrificing them to "teh devil." It must sound far-fetched and idiotic to you but it happens here all the time.

Edit: I am, by the way, in America.

[semioticwarrior.livejournal.com]

Extremely bad luck if they decide to do their business "outside the box."

[schmoo999.livejournal.com]

I love them. My Areoshots is a black cat. I adopted him from out vet's because generally people don't adopt black cats. I have been mulling over getting another black cat since my Thunder passed away.

[lee-rowan.livejournal.com]

Haven't been in Canada long enough to run across any superstitions, but Spenser is my baby... I've had 4 black cats in my life and they've had by far the sweetest dispositions.. though really, all my cats have been pretty wonderful. I guess they know I love 'em.

[tiggothy.livejournal.com]

Don't have any superstitions about them, but my suspicion these days is that they're far too interested in my chickens!

[oceankitty1.livejournal.com]

My cat Licorice is black and has brought me nothing but luck! In Norway black cats used to be bad luck. Way back in time they were almost eradicated, as they were suspected to be the familiars of witches. I don't think anyone believes they are bad luck anymore. I know they are not as popular as cats with different colors as the black ones tend to be the last ones left when a litter is given away. Most probably because people find them a bit boring to look at. o_0

[baritonejeff.livejournal.com]

Superstitions and I don't get along. At all. Every one I have ever heard is (to me) utter rubbish.

It always rather astounds me when someone will say something along the lines of "I don't believe in religion because you can't prove it. And I think that anyone who *does* believe in it is simply foolish/stupid/naive......" (and believe me, I *have* heard words like that more than I care to count)

BUT, that same person *does* carry around various and sundry superstitions (such as a black cats being either good or bad luck), and believes in *them* wholly.

SRSLY????????????????

A black cat is a cat that's black. They are neither good nor bad luck, anymore than a 'black' human is good or bad luck.

Of course, that's just what I believe.

[smurasaki.livejournal.com]

I don't have any personal superstition regarding them, but the two black cats I know are quite adorable. They'd only be bad luck to someone wearing white who didn't want to be covered in black fuzz.

[wikdsushi.livejournal.com]

When Sweet Pea crosses my path, I need to make sure I don't trip over her. Oh, and she stinks at both ends. But that seems pretty common among cats of all colors.

[enolabloodygay.livejournal.com]

I don't do superstition about balck cats, I just know I am lucky if any cat crosses my path and stops to pass the time of day. I'm a bit confused by the extra cats I keep finding in my house, though!

Next plan for cats (although a long way in the future I hope - Gainsborough, Gretchen and Bandit are all still young) is a silver tabby and a black one. Oddly enough, never owned a black cat in my life. My time will come and it will be One Lucky Cat. :-)

[mysid.livejournal.com]

Blighty? Translate please.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Google is your friend

"Blighty is a British English slang term for Britain, deriving from the Hindustani word vilāyatī "

[mysid.livejournal.com]

Ah. You're right; should've googled it. Thank you!