For the most part I find most superstitions a bit strange. Which isn’t to say there’s no point to them. I know that some people find them comforting or that they give a sense of control over uncontrollable circumstances. Though I know it’s ridiculous, I do sometimes knock on wood to ward off something bad happening if I state a hope. It’s all fine, as long as you don’t put too much stock in them. But when I was thinking about this prompt, there is one superstition that I find quite confusing. It’s the superstition of attributing meaning to the existence of black cats. It further confuses me that sometimes they’re considered bad luck but then they’re also considered…. good luck? I prefer the version in which they’re good luck. In particular, apparently, in these situations:
- In Scotland you’ll have good luck if a black cat appears on your doorstep
- In France if you see a black cat something magical will happen
- In the UK and Asia you’ll have a lucky life if you own one
Among others (found here if you’re interested). I think the fact that there are completely opposite superstitions about black cats just serves to underline the fact that black cats are just, you know, cats. (I’ve also owned four of them, and while some bad things have happened, also a lot of good things have – including the cats themselves – so I feel like it’s just life progressing as life does.)
What about you guys? Are there any superstitions you follow – whether you believe in them or not? Are there any you find particularly odd or confusing? Anyone else happily own one or more black cats?
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