Magical cats - socks with black cats
Salem, Behemoth, or maybe Rademenes? Movie and literary cats are still associated with the world of magic. However, socks with cats are the perfect accessory not only for young witches, but also for those who love the popular purrs. They are also the perfect socks for Halloween. And what do all these cats have in common? First of all, magical properties. The first was the inseparable companion of a teenage witch, the second walked on two paws and could take human shape, and the third was a human enchanted into a cat. It is true that these extraordinary animals have stimulated the imagination of artists for centuries. Throughout history, cats have been treated in a variety of ways. Once they were revered, and at other times they aroused fear and loathing. However, they have always been regarded as animals full of mystery. The grace with which they move, their piercing gaze and extraordinary agility have won them both friends and enemies. The Halloween period is a time when we take a special look at cats. In today's post, we reveal why these lovable furries have come to be associated with witches. We encourage you to brew some hot tea, wear your cat socks and get on with your reading.
In the world of the gods
There is no denying that cats are unique animals that have an aura of mystery about them. Depending on the times in which the furries lived, the same qualities could provide them with universal adoration or hatred. Animals played an important role already in ancient times. The Norse goddess of love, fertility and magic was the one who chose cats as her companions. Freya's chariot was drawn by two sizable animals. In India, the company of cats was appreciated by the protector of children, the goddess Shashti. It was on the back of a cat that she traveled thousands of kilometers on her many journeys. The association of cats with exactly this goddess seems not to be accidental. One of the qualities attributed to cats was fertility. For centuries, cats have been considered good mothers who conscientiously raise their offspring. Other qualities associated with these unique animals were grace, elegance and charisma. All of these attributes were associated with the Egyptian goddess Bastet. The patroness of love, dance, fertility and domestic fire was depicted as a woman with the head of a cat. Unfortunately, as the years passed, attitudes toward cats changed rapidly, and their connotations with the world of witches caused them years of suffering.
Companions of witches
Judgmental times for cats came with a change in society's attitude toward ancient deities. Much to do with this process has the aforementioned goddess Freya. In the Middle Ages, the Norse goddess began to be seen as a witch, and since her inseparable companions were cats, they were considered her servants. Even at the beginning of the Middle Ages, cats were not so infamous. They were considered useful animals that were invaluable in the fight against pests. Everything changed with the advent of witch hunts. Who actually were such women? From today's perspective, it is difficult to define exactly. People called them beings who know more and who have contacts with the other world. Some of them were herbalists, others parlayed quite standard crafts. It is true that many innocent women were killed in witch hunts, and with them their cats. In folk messages, cats were considered servants of witches. Some believed that women were able to transform themselves into these animals and thus traverse the world. Cats were accompanied by an aura of mystery, and were feared for their squinted eyes, which could cast a spell. The visit of a pet to a house was considered a bad omen, and residents feared that the furry one had come only to flood their hearts with darkness. Why do engravings most often show images of witches with black cats? Because it was a color associated with night and darkness, and therefore perfectly in tune with the nature attributed to witches. However, in reality, women's companions were animals of various colors. It took centuries for cats to be fully appreciated again. Fortunately, along with the witch hunts, the viciousness of these beautiful animals ceased. Today, popular purrs are adored and pampered by millions of people around the world, and the image of a witch with a cat is primarily associated with Halloween.
