History: the fear of black cats

Welcome to the fourteenth day of my daily October posts! Throughout these next 18-days, I will be posting different spooky fun facts, tricks and treats. Today, I will be talking about the history of the fear black cats—focusing mainly on folklore. Enjoy!

Warning: This post is dark and upsetting, if you are uncomfortable with any level of animal cruelty then I do not recommend reading further! Stay safe and take care of yourself. 🤍

Back in June of 1233 AD, Pope Gregory IX wrote a papal bull titled “Vox in Rama” that spread the belief that black cats were linked to the devil—the myth claims that black cats carried the devil’s spirit around. This was done as a response to a German heretical cult ritual that involved a cat-like figure. Some believe that the Vox in Rama claims that Pope Gregory IX called for a war on cats, however, he actually did not tell people to harm the animals, but rather condemned the cultists of Luciferianism. 

Over time, Western culture began to associate black cats with witchcraft as witch familiars (supernatural helpers) and/or witch shapeshifters. Well into the medieval period, people began to torture, kill and attack black cats throughout Europe—eventually even going over to Puritan culture in the Americas. However, in some parts of the world—like Egypt and Japan, black cats were adored and seen as lucky animals!

Thank you for reading and make sure to come back for tomorrow's post!

Sincerely, 

        your 21st century poet <3