The Good Fortune of Cats: Why They Are Lucky Charms

A few years ago, a friend told us about how a black cat crossed his path the previous day on his way to an important job interview. When he specified that his encounter was with a black cat, the reaction in our group was simultaneous. While the Japanese among us reacted with a smile, the American-born one felt he may just have been jinxed. Are black cats lucky or unlucky? Is an encounter with cats considered a good sign?

Well, the Japanese culture and much of Asia – unlike most parts of the West – see black cats in particular as a good omen. In fact, black cats are considered a good luck sign for single ladies in Japan – a signal for many good suitors. But this myth extends well beyond the Asian borders; its roots stem from England where it is believed that giving a bride a black cat on her wedding day is a sign of a lucky marriage.

Are you going on a voyage? Have you already packed up your toothbrush and other essentials? You should be traveling with your trusty cat too. Having cats – black cats in particular – aboard is believed to promise safe journey and return.

In Scotland, having a black cat suddenly appear on your doorway is a sign of future prosperity. In France, they are believed to come with a nice kind of magic and good luck if you care for them. So, while cats have been at the center of loads of superstitions over the years, and encounter with them may just be all you need to sail through a tricky life path.