Halloween on the Net - Black Cats & Halloween

Black Cats & Halloween

Today, black cats are as much a symbol of Halloween as are pumpkins, ghosts and witches. But this wasn't always the case. In fact, unlike most Halloween customs, which date back to the ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain, the black cat association is a more recent addition.

In the early Middle Ages, cats began to be associated with witches. While the exact reason for this association is not clear, historians suppose that it has something to do with a cat's nocturnal nature.

Some in the Church believed that witches became cats at night. Others associated cats with witchcraft because their eyes glow at night, a sign of evil.

The powerful association between witches and cats, especially the "sneaky" black cat, persisted throughout the centuries. So when modern celebrations of Halloween evolved to include images of the wicked witch, the black cat was right behind her.

If you want to put a sweet face on this sinister symbol, take a look at our Halloween crafts section. We've got kitty cat cans, feline finger puppets and masks that are the cat's meow.

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Comments

lolyfied from Afghanistan

03:03 10/26/2011

DIN MOR

Makenna from Oregon, US

14:29 10/25/2011

I am a wiccan, and I just might i say, so called "witches" are not evil. They were judged very poorly, they should mention that. Cats are a physical representation of the goddess, a protector. =)

Leggokatz from Nevada, US

19:11 10/07/2011

Just want to say it's important if you own a black cat to be extremely cautious around Halloween, there are still crazy people out there who do awful things to them... Be safe and please keep your real life Halloween kitties indoors!!

Angel White from Alabama, US

09:41 10/29/2010

taylor: come on, really? you say you celabrate it, then why are you complaining about it. that's retarded. Are you like four?

taylor from New York, US

15:34 10/27/2010

well i dont think it is the greatest part of year im a christan and it is satins b-day so ya i celabrate it but its still satins b-day

stine from Denmark

04:40 10/27/2010

i love halloween the best time of the year im gonna be the grim reaper its the coolest costume ever i love halloween 4-ever:):):):):):) :D

crystal from New York, US

18:18 10/25/2010

i hat halloween lol

sharon from Florida, US

17:05 10/12/2010

i have a BLACK CAT so beware of her!!!!!!!!

Rochell from Idaho, US

20:08 04/13/2010

Actually, my research has led me to believe that cats do have ties to the ancient Celts. In Celtic mythology, Cats were sacred to the gods and thought to be doorways to the Underworld.

Alicia Elwell from Maine, US

13:12 04/01/2010

i love halloween it is fun to scare people and give them chills like the tv channel chiller lol

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