Black Cat Small Journal

The following description appears on the inside cover of your small journal.

DESCRIPTION

Black cats have been a source of fascination throughout history. In ancient Egypt, where temple cats were believed to serve as hosts for human souls, the black cat was especially revered as sacred to the goddess Isis, who wore a black cloak. The black cat is considered a harbinger of good luck in parts of the eastern Mediterranean and South America, while in much of the world it has traditionally been associated with the forces of evil.

During the Middle Ages, black cats were believed to be the familiars of witches, and cruelly persecuted. White markings on their breasts, called “angel’s marks” saved some black cats from being killed. In the United States, the black cat is still intimately associated with the haunted night of Halloween.

In France, the black cat is known as the Matagot, variously translated as the “good luck” or magician cat. Legend holds that the family who takes a Matagot into its home will receive good luck or financial rewards, but if the family drives a Matagot away, it will suffer retribution.

Sharing the smouldering beauty of its wild relative, the panther, the black cat continues to inspire admiration and mystical beliefs in diverse cultures throughout the world.

artwork and text by Betsy Karasik