The mysteries of cats in religions and cultures around the world are shrouded in a veil of fascination and curiosity. Since the beginning of human history, cats have played an important role in people's lives, and their connection to human spirituality and beliefs is a deep one. From Ancient Egypt, where cats were revered and associated with the goddess Bastet, to Japan, where cats were considered divine messengers and symbols of good luck.
Although the exact moment of domestication of the cat remains a debated topic among researchers, it is estimated that this particular relationship took place about 9,000 years ago. The first domestic cat may have been a species of African wild cat called Felis lybica. Since those distant times, cats have become part of everyday life, but also subject of veneration and adoration in various cultures and religions around the world.
Subject
The Mysteries of Cats in Religions and Cultures Around the World
Cats have always held a special place in people's hearts, and the mysteries of cats in religions and cultures have piqued people's curiosity for millennia. Fascinating and mysterious, they have become the subject of many legends, myths and superstitions in religions and cultures around the world. Throughout history, cats have been revered, adored and even feared, being associated with supernatural powers and profound symbols. They entered the mythology and rituals of various traditions, bringing with them an aura of enigma and charm.
Cats have been associated with some religions and played a significant role in their beliefs and practices. Let's see what the cat has meant in various cultures and religions of the world.
The Cat in Ancient Egyptian Religion (Ancient Egypt)
I think Ancient Egypt has the oldest and closest connection with cats. In Ancient Egypt, cats had a special place in religion and in people's daily lives, being considered sacred animals and worshiped for their mysterious and protective qualities.
One of the most important deities associated with cats in Ancient Egypt was the goddess Bastet (or Bast). Deity Bastet she was often represented as a woman with the head of a domestic cat. She was the goddess of home, family, fertility and pleasure. Bastet he was considered a gentle and protective deity, and cats were considered manifestations of his energy and spirit.
Cats were worshiped and protected in temples dedicated to the goddess Bastet. It was believed that the presence of a cat in a house brought good luck and protection from evil. In the event of the death of a family cat, members of that family would shave their eyebrows as a sign of mourning and carry small cat statues to express their grief.
Cats were too considered effective hunters and protectors against rats and poisonous snakes. They were often associated with the lioness goddess Sekhmet, who was the goddess of war and disease. They were considered avatars of this goddess and it was believed that cats have healing powers and protection.
Because of their importance in the cult of the goddess Bastet, cats were treated with great respect and considered sacred animals. Harming or killing a cat was considered a grave sacrilege and could be punished by death.
Today, the influences of ancient Egyptian culture and the worship of cats are still found in some practices and customs. Domestic cats are still revered and appreciated for their grace and mystery, and the image of the cat is often used in souvenirs and artistic representations reminiscent of ancient egyptian heritage.
The Cat in Chinese Culture
The cat has a special meaning in Chinese culture, being associated with various symbols and superstitions. In some branches of Buddhism, cats are considered spirit animals and bringer of luck. They are often associated with the popular figure of him Maneki-neko from Japanese culture, representing a cat that brings luck and prosperity. This is usually depicted as a cat with a paw raised in greeting. It is believed to bring luck, prosperity and well-being to the home or business.
The cat is often associated with the symbol yin-yang in Chinese culture. This duality symbolizes balance and harmony in the universe and represents the complementary opposition of natural forces. The cat is considered to be about energy yin, Which is feminine, mysterious and passive.
In practice Feng Shui, the cat is considered a symbol of protection and attraction of positive energies. The Lucky Cat is often placed in homes, offices and shops to bring prosperity and harmony to that environment.
In certain regions of China, there are festivals dedicated to cats. These events bring together cat lovers and are an opportunity to celebrate the beauty and importance of these animals in Chinese culture.
Cats in Viking Culture – The Mysteries of Cats in Religions and Cultures
In Viking culture, cats had a special meaning and were considered sacred and mystical animals. They were often associated with the goddess Frigg or Freyja, the goddess LOVE, fertility and beauty. Freyja she was accompanied by two gigantic cats, named Bygul and Trjegul, who were pulling his chariot.
Cats were considered spiritual guides and bringers of good luck. They were seen as the link between the human world and the spirit world, having the ability to navigate through invisible regions and communicate with spirits and gods.
Cats in Viking culture they were often associated with feminine power and were considered pets and protectors of women and children. They were considered guardians of homes and families, protecting homes from evil spirits and bringing prosperity to households.
Cats were also understood to be creatures of freedom and independence. They were prized for their hunting skills and agility, being considered symbols of courage and adaptability.
They were considered mysterious and sacred beings, having an important place in Norse mythology and traditions. They were valued and respected for their special qualities and for their role in the daily and spiritual life of the Vikings.
So, these wonderful felines have captured and captivated humanity all over the globe, from the far north of the Vikings to the hot sands of Ancient Egypt.
The cat in Ancient Greece
If you have traveled to Greece, it is almost impossible not to have noticed the significant number of cats in this wonderful country. Present both in mainland Greece and on the hundreds of Greek islands. most likely, these are the offspring of the cat created by the goddess Artemis, his sister Apollo. According to legend, Artemis she created the cat to amuse herself at the expense of the lion, an imposing animal created by her brother Apollo. The cat was created with grace, agility and hunting skills, and Artemis appreciated these qualities.
Being associated with the goddess Artemis, cats were considered sacred animals. They were worshiped and protected, and sacrilege against them was considered a very serious act and punished. In the temples dedicated to the goddess Artemis, statues or representations of cats were found, and these animals were considered divine presences or messengers of the goddess.
In addition, cats were considered bringers of luck and protection in Ancient Greece. They were often present in homes and households, being seen as capable of warding off evil spirits and bringing harmony to homes. Cats were also valued for their hunting skills and ability to keep rodents at bay.
Cats were the subject of artistic representations in ancient Greek art. They were often depicted in ceramics, frescoes or sculptures, representing elegance, agility and independence. These depictions show the cultural importance of cats in ancient Greek society.
The Cat in Japanese Culture – The Mysteries of Cats in Religions and Cultures
In Japanese culture, the cat occupies a special place and is associated with various traditions and beliefs. One of the most famous representations of the cat in Japanese culture is Maneki-neko, also known as "lucky cat". This is a statuette or figurine of a cat, often with a hand raised in greeting. It is believed that Maneki-neko it brings luck, prosperity and well-being to its owner.
The Maneki-neko cat is considered a talisman or amulet and is often placed in shops, restaurants or homes to bring prosperity and attract customers. There are different variations of Maneki-neko, each having specific meanings and symbols. For example, a raised right hand is said to bring good luck in business, while a raised left hand is associated with attracting customers. Of course, these are marketing tools these days.
Beside Maneki-neko, the cat has other representations in Japanese culture. For example, the cat is often present in Japanese folklore and folktales. There are legends and myths about cats possessing magical or spiritual powers and which can bring welfare or protection. Some of these stories say that cats can see spirits or I can ward off bad luck and evil spirits.
Cats also have a special place in Japanese culture through art and literature. They can be found in works of art, in the traditional paintings or in the illustrations in the books and Japanese manga. Cats often are portrayed in a graceful and mysterious way, reflecting their aspects of elegance and independence.
In conclusion, the cat also occupies an important role in Japanese culture, being associated with luck, well-being and folk traditions. Through artistic representations, myths and traditions, the cat continues to have a significant impact in everyday life and in the imagination of the Japanese people.
The cat in Ancient Rome
Cats did not have their own religious cult in Ancient Rome, as they did in other cultures, such as Ancient Egypt. However, they were respected and valued for their hunting skills and the companionship they provided to humans.
In Ancient Rome, the cat held a special place and was generally regarded with admiration and respect. Cats were considered prized domestic animals for their ability to hunt rodents such as mice and rats that were considered pests in homes and warehouses.
Cats were present in Roman households and were considered valuable pets. They were cared for and fed, and sometimes even adored by their owners. Cats were believed to bring good luck and protection to their homes and families.
In addition, cats were associated with the Roman goddess of hunting and fertility, Diana. It is said that Diana he had the power to transform into a cat and used this form to hunt and guard the natural world. Therefore, cats were considered sacred animals and were worshiped in temples dedicated to the goddess Diana.
I am convinced that the cat has been present in almost all cultures of the world, whether or not it was associated with a god or spirits. Only if we think about the fact that Ancient Egypt was the granary of Rome, we realize how much they needed cats in their fight with rodents. And this, in relatively recent history, from 2000 years ago.
And in conclusion, I cannot but make a reference to This article. If we don't know the answer to the question: "What came first, the egg or the chicken?", we certainly know the answer to the question: "What came first, the cat or Christianity?".
