Black Cats In Egypt

The black cat was a symbol of bad luck in Europe in the 14th century. This view followed to America during its colonization.

But this has not always been the case.

Black cats have symbolized everything from goddesses to the devil around the world.

In Egypt dating back to 3000 BC, the black cat was worshipped.

In 3000 BC, killing a black cat was considered a capital crime.

Historians have speculated and marveled at the idea that Black Cats were worshipped because Egyptians idolized divine opposites. The black cat has been portrayed as both a loving and gentle companion but also as a fierce and aggressive predator. This lines up with their pairing of Egyptian deities in social and religious practices.

The Egyptian Goddess worshipped was called Bastet also known as "the eye of Ra". She was a black feline headed woman. She was both nurturing and violent, and her motherliness was one of her key emphasized attributes. She was worshipped over thousands of years.

Cats were so sacred that in many homes, they were adorned with gold jewelry and ate at the table with their owners. And when they died, they were deeply mourned and even mummified and dedicated to Bastet.