Premoved fromItalian Association for the Protection of Animals and the Environment, Black Cat Day (Black Cat Day) on November 17 is an excellent opportunity to pay homage to them.
Black Cat Day, symbol of prosperity and clairvoyance…
Remembering, first of all, how their fortunes have changed over the centuries. In Ancient Egypt, black cats were in fact venerated: incarnations of the deities Bastet and Sekhmet, they boasted attributes of fertility and clairvoyance. A charm and symbolic power that remained attached to the tail of the pitch-colored cat even in Greece and ancient Rome. The black cat was the faithful ally of the goddess of hunting Diana and had magical qualities.
In Celtic mythology, however, black cats were associated with the world of spirits and considered protectors against evil beings. In Anglo-Saxon countries, even today the black cat is usually considered a true talisman: the Scots, for example, believe that the arrival of a black cat in the house is an indication of a period of prosperity. In Japan they announce good luck and prosperity.
A Black Cat Cafe in Himeji, Japan. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images)
…or does it bring bad luck?
The fame of the black cat, evil companion of witches and ideal protagonist of Halloween even before the festival took hold here, dates back to the Middle Ages. According to inquisitorial tradition, the witch is accompanied by a familya demon in animalistic disguise, so that he may assist her in her work of profaning the work of God. A familiar who can have the appearance of a toad, a mouse, a crow or even a black cat.
The origin of the rumor of bad luck brought by black cat crossing the road? Just think of the trouble it can cause the sudden crossing of the road by the feline, black and with yellow eyes in the dark night, in an era in which the means of transport is the horse.
From Figaro to Zorba, the black cat at the cinema
The homage to the black cat continues with a series of cinematic cats. Santévet, leader in the animal health insurance sector, thus recalls his forays into pop culture.
Jiji by Kiki Home Deliveries (1989), by Hayao Miyazaki. Jiji is the cheeky kitty companion of the young witch Kiki in the enchanting film revived last summer in theaters by Studio Ghibli. With her humorous comments and unwavering support, Jiji adds a delightful touch to the tale of adolescence.
Luna, one of three cats of Sailor Moon (1991-1997). All black kitty with red eyes, she has a yellow crescent moon on her forehead. Able to speak, she explains to the new Sailor warriors everything they need to know.
Salem by Sabrina, the witch’s life (1996-2003): Salem, the talking feline from the popular television series, charmed audiences with his wit and humor, becoming a beloved character.
Figaro from the Disney film Pinocchio (1940). He is Geppetto’s mischievous adorable kitten. With his expressive reactions and playful attitude he is a memorable presence in the great Disney classic.
Zorba, from the animated film The Seagull and the Cat (1998). Before dying from an oil spill in the North Sea, a seagull entrusts her egg to the cat Zorba who promises to protect it and teach the unborn child to fly. A fable about tolerance and respect for those who are different with implicit ecological contents. Zorba plays a key role in this Italian animated film, based on the book by Luis Sepúlveda. He in fact embodies a mix of wisdom, compassion… and a bit of feline coldness.
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