It's not a written rule but everyone knows that it is a sacrilege to carry a black cat to the bingo room unless you want to be the least popular person at the hall. With those large, black eyes, smart and malicious look, smooth black fur it's easy to imagine that black cats have a special link with the beyond. But what is the true story of a black cat?
Origins
Through history the cat has been given both divine and evil powers. In ancient Egypt, they were believed to be reincarnated gods in the form of a cat when they wanted to show us their will. However, in the twelfth century in Europe, the Church persecuted the cats believing that witches transformed themselves into these cats and were symbols of the devil. The public burning of these animals were actively encouraged in the form of entertainment in the San Juan bonfires. Later in the seventeenth century, the cat was vindicated gaining again it's good reputation as a great rat hunter, within those days, that plagues desolated entire cities.
Good or bad luck?
With a history as fraught with superstitions about this animal, there is no wonder that we fear every time that we spot a beautiful black cat in front of us. But whether it is good or bad luck depends on the specific circumstances of its appearance.
If the cat crosses in front of you in the direction from right to left it is considered an bad omen. Beware, though, because if it turns out that the cat has a white patch anywhere on its body then this bad omen loses its evil power.
Since ancient times mothers always kept their babies away from cats because it was believed that this would allow the cat's dark forces to absorb into the life of babies, like a vampire with his victims. It is also important to remember that if the black cat walks towards you it does so in a sign of friendship and brings you good luck but if a black cat walks away from you it takes luck away from you.
So remember all this next time you go to the bingo hall, and see those yellow eyes just across the street. Or if you play online or at home and your cat is lord of the palace we must always try to have these beautiful cats on our side. We all know the legend of the 7 lives of a cat. They know a lot more than we can imagine, and always have the power to decide if they choose to protect us with their good luck, or choose to abandon us and give us bad fortune. Do not miss the next chapter of Superstitions!
