Black Cat Folklore and Legends

Sixteenth-century Italians believed that if a black cat jumped on the bed of an ill person, the person would soon die.

In Colonial America, Scottish immigrants believed that a black cat entering a wake was bad luck, and could indicated the death of a family member.

The Norse goddess Freyja drove a chariot pulled by a pair of black cats.

A Roman solder killed a black cat in Egypt, and was killed by an angry mob of locals.

Appalachian folklore said that if you had a stye on the eyelid, rubbing the tail of a black cat on it would make the stye go away.

If you find a single white hair on your otherwise-black cat, it's a good omen.

In England's border countries and southern Scotland, a strange black cat on the front porch brings good fortune.

In 16th century Italy, people believed that if someone was sick he would die if a black cat lay on his bed.

In North America, it's considered bad luck if a black cat crosses your path and good luck if a white cat crosses your path. In the U.K., switch the colors.

Finding a white hair on a black cat brings good luck. Don't pluck it though, or your luck may turn bad.

A strange black cat on a porch brings prosperity to the owner. (Scottish Lore)

A black cat seen from behind portends a bad omen. (And a black cat seen from the front is a GOOD omen?)

Ahhh...an explanation here: If a black cat walks towards you, it brings good fortune, but if it walks away, it takes the good luck with it.

If a black cat crosses your path while you're driving, turn your hat around backwards and mark an X on your windshield to prevent bad luck.