Have you ever feared a black cat crossing your path? This is from ancient superstitions where people thought this meant bad luck. For many cultures and historical settings, black cats were actually meant for positive things. So, to try and dispel these myths about black cats, National Black Cat Appreciation Day was created to be celebrated on August 17 every year.
Today, pop culture loves black cats. There’s the sarcastic Thackery Binx in “Hocus Pocus” and Salem, in “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch,” and we can’t forget the classic cartoon black cat, Luna, in “Sailor Moon.” Black cats are seen as loyal companions, and this is what they were seen as for a lot of cultures in history, too.
So, who’s to blame for this negative black cat spin? Superstition! But mostly because during the Middle Ages, people (mainly the Catholic Church) saw witches as shape-shifting black cats, and the damage was done. From then on, black cats were seen as evil entities for years and years to follow.
But not everyone sees black cats this way. In fact, black cats are actually welcomed by a lot of people. For some, a visit from a black cat means good luck, and for others, it means prosperity or romance. Hey — in some cultures, black cats are even worshipped. Basically, there’s no need to fear them. On this day, we celebrate our cuddly friends, no matter what color their coat is!
Under The Harvest Moon 