Black Cats

Do you shiver when a black cat crosses your path?

This belief goes back to the Middle Ages when it was thought that a black cat was the companion or mascot of a group of witches, and that it changed into a witch or Satan after seven years of service. Therefore, people reasoned, a cat crossing one's path might be a witch or the Devil in disguise, up to no good.

The belief that cats have nine lives comes from the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptians worshiped cats and noticed how the cats had a way of surviving many falls. From this they started believing cats to have more than one life. Cats became associated with the Trinity, their symbol of Mother, Father and Son. Three times three, or nine was the highest expression of honor which could be granted, so cats were thought to have nine lives.

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