Are you superstitious about black cats?

[icymist]

Are you superstitious about black cats?

Let me begin this Halloween-inspired post by stating the obvious: a cat, no matter what its color, cannot influence fortune. But, of course... this hasn't stopped people from believing in the "special powers" of black cats for centuries.

Whether you believe that these inky felines are good luck or bad could largely depend on where you grew up: If you hail from the United States or most European countries, walking in a black cat's wake might make you quake in your boots. But if you come from the United Kingdom or Japan, seeing a black cats cross your path will likely make you grin because your luck is about to change for the better.

The direction the cat in question is traveling also counts for a lot. Leave it to the Germans to have the most precise rule about black cats: if they cross your path from right to left it's considered a bad omen. But if they saunter left to right, the cat is granting favorable times for you. In most parts of the world, a black cat walking towards you is considered a sign that good luck is coming your way, but if they turn around before they reach you, all bets are off.

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[juno jones]

1. Nope.

I always have one around. But one, Alister, was a great familiar. ;)

[comtec]

2. I always pet black cats when i see them

I figure if they like me, they won't hex me ;)

And I know better. I dated a wiccan for a while, and I know why black cats are feared (wrongly), etc.

But still, some superstitions are harder to shake than others lol.

I love all kinds of cats anyway, and black cats usually seem extra grateful for the attention (you mean you aren't afraid of me?!!)