OSCAR'S BLACK CAT PAGE

lack cats have thought to be the source of bad or good luck, depending on the century and place.

Ancient Phoenicians smuggled black cats out of Egypt and brought them to Europe. Black cats were common, popular, and considered sacred. Black cats became associated with black magic and sorcery during the Middle Ages. They were also thought to be the personification of Satan. Black cats without a single white hair were burned alive at organized annual ceremonies. Myths developed during the seventeenth century that parts of black cats could cure various illnesses. One belief is that a black cat tail buried under the doorsteps would protect the house owners from sickness. In Europe, black cats buried under fruit trees were believed to stimulate tree growth. In some countries, black tom cats were burned in fields on Christmas Eve and at the sowing of the first seed. This was believed to prevent evil sprirts from harming crops. Buddhists considered black cats to be especially lucky. A black cat crossing your path and doing you no harm were incredibly lucky. If a black cat entered your home, it was a stoke of good luck if you treated it kindly. King Charles I of England took his black cat with him where ever he went since he considered it very lucky. The day after his cat died, he was arrested and beheaded. Sailors' wives kept black cats at home to ensure the safety of their husbands.

The following is a list of black cat superstitions from around the world. Of course Oscar says black cat superstitions are complete nonsense.

A strange black cat on your porch brings prosperity. (Scotland) If a black cat chooses to make its home with you, you will have good luck. If a black cat lies on the bed of a sick person, he will surely die. Dreaming of a black cat at Christmas foretells of a serious illness in the coming year. (Germany) If a black cat crosses your path, you will die in an epedmic. (Ireland) If a black cat is tied to where five crossroads meet, it will run to hidden treasure when it is released. (France) If you discover one white hair on an all-black cat, Lady Luck will smile on you. (France)