The Black Cat

“A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere.” — Groucho Marx   

Black cat folklore is varied with countless contradictory myths and superstitions. In Britain and Japan, black cats are considered good luck, but many Western cultures view the black cat as a symbol of bad luck.  Therefore, you can take your pick of black cat superstitions, and have some fun with it.

Instinct vs Reason

The Black Cat is a short story by American writer Edgar Allan Poe (1809-49) first published in 1843. It’s one of Poe’s darkest tales, and he uses a black cat named “Pluto” to arouse superstitions and fear.  [Read it here, in full for free ⇒  The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe]   On the other hand, a black cat was a Poe household pet he described as a “remarkable” animal “of a demure and sanctified demeanor” in the short essay, Instinct vs. Reason–A Black Cat, (Alexander’s Weekly Messenger”, January 29, 1840).

Explore Poe’s Philadelphia home, and (if you dare) descend into the spine-chilling basement that inspired The Black Cat.  The Edgar Allen Poe Historic Site is open Friday – Sunday (9am – 12noon and 1pm – 5pm), free to visit, and no reservations are required.

Information/Resources:
Wikipedia (Black Cat – Historical Associations; Ship’s Cat; Bastet; Edgar Allan Poe)

Fright Night Movies: An On2In2™ video collection, free to watch, on demand-– Suspense, Mystery, Terror, Horror, Evil….

Feature photo is courtesy of Pixabay/Pexels CC0