A black cat from Jetoy

Of black cats and superstitions

28 May, 2014 | From Wei Yi of Malaysia

POSTCROSSING FRIEND

This is my second Jetoy postcard, the other one was sent from Hong Kong. They happen to be both black cats :)

In some cultures, black cats are believed to be symbols of evil omens and may bring you bad luck. Some believe that black cats crossing a person's path from right to left, is a bad omen. And from left to right, the cat is granting favorable times. But it varies from culture to culture.  The Scottish believe that a strange black cat's arrival to the home signifies prosperity. In Celtic mythology, a fairy known as the Cat Sìth takes the form of a black cat. Black cats are also considered good luck in Japan.

I have to admit, I am susceptible to some superstitions and to some extent do believe in such beliefs. But is isn't something I take too seriously. I follow some, ignore some, or laugh at the rest even.

Fear of the unknown drives people to believe in them. As some may say, "a belief in superstitions gives people an illusion of control in an uncertain world."