Cats were profoundly valued in Ancient Egypt due to their unique combination of spiritual, practical, and emotional significance.

Spiritually, cats were intimately linked to the goddess Bastet, who embodied protection, fertility, and domesticity.

Bastet was depicted as a lioness or as a woman with the head of a lioness or domestic cat, symbolizing grace, poise, and the protective qualities attributed to felines.

This divine association elevated cats to sacred status, making them symbols of divinity, guardianship, and good fortune within the household .

Egyptians believed that cats possessed the power to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity, intertwining their spiritual role with daily life .

Practically, cats were indispensable for their ability to control vermin populations, protecting vital food stores and agricultural resources.

Their effectiveness in safeguarding grain and other supplies reinforced their esteemed position in society, as they contributed directly to the sustenance and stability of Egyptian households and granaries .

This practical benefit, combined with their spiritual symbolism, made cats essential members of both the home and the broader community.

The emotional bond between Egyptians and their cats was exceptionally strong.

Cats were considered integral family members, not merely pets.

When a family cat died, the depth of grief was expressed through a distinctive mourning ritual: owners would shave their eyebrows as a visible sign of sorrow and respect.

This act was a culturally significant expression of mourning, unique to the loss of a cat, and underscored the belief that cats were cherished companions deserving of public displays of grief .

The seriousness of this bond is further highlighted by the fact that harming or killing a cat, even accidentally, was a grave offense punishable by death, reflecting the sacred and protected status of cats in Egyptian society .

Artistic depictions of cats in household items

Cats were profoundly valued in Ancient Egypt due to their unique combination of spiritual, practical, and emotional significance.

Spiritually, cats were intimately linked to the goddess Bastet, who embodied protection, fertility, and domesticity.

Bastet was depicted as a lioness or as a woman with the head of a lioness or domestic cat, symbolizing grace, poise, and the protective qualities attributed to felines.

This divine association elevated cats to sacred status, making them symbols of divinity, guardianship, and good fortune within the household .

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CultureEgypt

Egypt unveils ancient workshops used to make mummies

1 hour ago

Archaeologists in Egypt have revealed two workshops that were used to embalm people and animals. Tombs were also opened up, featuring walls that depict daily life and images of an ancient priest.

https://p.dw.com/p/4Rtaf

Egyptian antiquities officials on Saturday revealed that a research team had unearthed human and animal mummification workshops as well as two tombs in the ancient burial ground of Saqqara.

The discovery follows an excavation lasting around a year near the sanctuary of the goddess Bastet and catacombs of mummified cats in Saqqara, some 30 kilometers (roughly 18.5 miles) south of Cairo.

What did the archaeologists find?

The embalming workshops, one in which humans were mummified with the other used for animals, date back to ancient Egypt's 30th dynasty — which reigned about 2,400 years ago.

Egypt's tourism and antiquities ministry said that in one of the workshops, the researchers had "found several rooms equipped with stony beds where the deceased lay down for mummification."

At the end of each bed were gutters that appeared to be needed for the mummification process.

There was also a collection of clay pots nearby to hold entrails and organs, and an assembly of other instruments and ritual vessels.

An initial study of the second workshop suggested it was used to mummify sacred animals.

Also part of the discovery were the tombs of two priests, one dating back to the 24th century BC and the other to the 14th century BC.

The earliest belonged to Ne Hesut Ba, who was the head of scribes and priest of the gods Horus and Maat in the Old Kingdom's fifth dynasty.

Mohamed Youssef, director of the Saqqara archaeological site said the tomb walls were decorated with depictions of "daily life, agriculture, and hunting scenes."

The second tomb was carved in rock and features depictions of the deceased himself, a New Kingdom priest named Men Kheber, "in different positions."

It also contained a 1-meter-long (roughly 1 yard) alabaster statue.

Push for tourists pays off

Egypt's government has strongly promoted new archaeological finds to international media and diplomats in recent years in the hope that such discoveries will help attract more tourists to the country.

Cairo aims to revive an industry that suffered from political turmoil and that was battered by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and fallout from the conflict in Ukraine.

Economic data showed tourism revenues climbing to $7.3 billion in the second half of 2022, a 25.7% increase compared with the previous year.

rc/msh (AFP, AP)

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Content: How Black Cats Became a Symbol of Bad Luck

Famous cat daddy Jackson Galaxy looks into the galvanizing history of black cats, particularly how they became enduring symbols of bad luck and superstition.

It’s true – black cats have been truly vilified throughout our history, from mythology to being burned at the stake as witches to… well every superstition you can think of.

Galaxy recounts how these beautiful cats got such a bad rap. The famous “Halloween Cat” pose, their association with witchcraft, and how the particularly zealous Pope Gregory IV eradicated Europe of all cats.

I gotta say if you gotta blame the demonization the official demonization of cats and especially black cats in the world starting in Europe it would be Pope Gregory IX. Thanks Pope Gregory IX, because in 1233 …he basically called out witches as worshiping a devil that was this shadowy half-man half cat I mean that basically made cats “cattis non-gratis”, especially in Europe.

Sadly, the bubonic plague spread freely across Europe as there were no cats to keep the rat population down.

By the 1300s it’s theorized anyway, that cat numbers were depleted so badly … that allowed the Bubonic Plague to just flourish. …The the more this went on the worse the rap was that black cats had on them.

The demonization got worse with the Salem witch trials and the propagation of superstition throughout history.

There is worshiping and there is vilifying and burning at the stake and all stops in between and that’s what the black cat has represented through time. …The Halloween cat and how badly misinterpreted that body position is. It is a surviving damning vision of the black cat especially when we associate during Halloween a witch and a black cat …These are vestiges of discrimination and wholesale slaughter of an innocent animal.

That being said, black cats are wonderful, sweet animals who, sadly, have a harder time getting adopted.

We gotta spread the word you guys black cats are good luck black cats are righteous … spread the word adopt a black cat today. Foster a black cat today.

Egyptians believed that cats possessed the power to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity, intertwining their spiritual role with daily life .

Practically, cats were indispensable for their ability to control vermin populations, protecting vital food stores and agricultural resources.

Their effectiveness in safeguarding grain and other supplies reinforced their esteemed position in society, as they contributed directly to the sustenance and stability of Egyptian households and granaries .

This practical benefit, combined with their spiritual symbolism, made cats essential members of both the home and the broader community.

The emotional bond between Egyptians and their cats was exceptionally strong.

Cats were considered integral family members, not merely pets.

When a family cat died, the depth of grief was expressed through a distinctive mourning ritual: owners would shave their eyebrows as a visible sign of sorrow and respect.

This act was a culturally significant expression of mourning, unique to the loss of a cat, and underscored the belief that cats were cherished companions deserving of public displays of grief .

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Content: In my former life as a curator, I developed an exhibition in 2012-13 about how artists drew inspiration from the ancient city of Pompeii from the excavations of the 1700s to present day.

I’ve long been fascinated by how ancient art still captures the contemporary imagination.

So you can picture my excitement over William Morris’ “Mountain Lion,” a recent gift to Krannert Art Museum from Jon and Judith Liebman.

This glass sculpture was created in the form of an ancient Egyptian canopic jar, where entrails were stored as part of mummification and burial.

Morris’ technique is stunning; you can’t overestimate the challenge of creating the vessel’s varied surfaces in glass.

Prominent cracks are visible throughout, suggesting it was excavated.

For this effect, Morris dipped the blown glass into water then quickly added a clear layer to stop the cracking.

Circling the jar, a big cat hunts leaping stags, painted in a style recalling prehistoric cave paintings.

Morris created this image first by laying it out in finely ground glass (called frit) on a flat surface; he then rolled the hot blown glass vessel over the frit, which transfers the picture to the jar.

The lid emulates painted stone, perhaps alabaster.

The mountain lion is on high alert, with eyes wide open and ears bolt upright.

Imperfections and scrapes appear all over the jar, which make it look truly ancient.

Morris made those intentionally by dropping powdered glass on the surface while it was still piping hot.

The artist is a pivotal figure in the second generation of studio glass in the United States.

He started glassmaking at the Pilchuck School and rose to prominence in the 1980s as lead glassblower for Dale Chihuly.

Morris’ technical innovations, many deftly deployed here, are of lasting importance to the development of glass art, which he then perfected in his own studio in the early 1990s through his retirement in 2007.

This object is part of the “Canopic Jar Series,” widely understood as both his most significant and highly valued work.

An active outdoor sportsman, bow-hunter and adventurer, Morris long cultivated a hypermasculine persona.

Anyone familiar with glassblowing understands the extraordinary strength needed to handle this heavy piece of glass with ease and authority at the end of a long blowpipe.

Early on, he concentrated on abstract vessels (KAM has a fantastic example from 1984), but his best-known works are invented archaeological fragments, animal vessels and canopic jars.

In this work, Morris intermingles multiple ancient traditions.

The jar’s form comes from ancient Egypt, while the head depicts a mountain lion, indigenous to the Americas, and the prehistoric cave paintings come from Spain and France.

This mashup of ancient traditions and myths was intentional, since Morris saw commonalities across world traditions and global antiquity, a perspective increasingly questioned in the 21st century.

KAM’s “Ancient Mediterranean Gallery” raises questions, bringing cultural traditions together over time and place as “antiquity” in ways that can be both productive and reductive.

To provoke discussions about how we define antiquity, Morris’ stunning work introduces contemporary ideas around ancient art.

It prompts us to ask how we interpret and activate archaeology in the U.S. — important to consider as KAM continues to re-imagine its collections of historical and ancient art.

Jon L. Seydl is director of Krannert Art Museum in Champaign.

The seriousness of this bond is further highlighted by the fact that harming or killing a cat, even accidentally, was a grave offense punishable by death, reflecting the sacred and protected status of cats in Egyptian society .

Artistic depictions of cats in household items


Cats were among the most highly valued animals in ancient Egypt, occupying a unique position that blended spiritual, practical, and emotional dimensions within Egyptian society.

Their elevated status was rooted primarily in their association with the goddess Bastet, who was one of the most widely venerated deities in the Egyptian pantheon.

Bastet was depicted either as a lioness or as a woman with the head of a lioness or domestic cat, symbolizing protection, fertility, motherhood, home, and domesticity.

She was also regarded as a fierce protector of the pharaoh and the household, embodying both nurturing and defensive qualities.

Egyptians believed that cats embodied the spirit and protective powers of Bastet, which elevated them from ordinary animals to sacred beings within the cultural and religious landscape of Egypt .

The spiritual significance of cats was deeply embedded in Egyptian mythology and daily life.

Cats were thought to possess the ability to ward off evil spirits and disease, and their presence in the home was believed to bring good fortune and safeguard the family.

This belief was not merely symbolic; cats played a practical role in protecting food supplies by hunting vermin such as mice and rats, which threatened stored grain and other resources.

Their effectiveness as hunters reinforced their reputation as protectors, further intertwining their practical value with their spiritual symbolism .

The reverence for cats extended into the legal and social frameworks of ancient Egypt.

Killing a cat, even accidentally, was considered a grave offense punishable by death, reflecting the seriousness with which Egyptians regarded the sanctity of these animals.

This legal protection was unique and underscored the deep respect and fear associated with harming a creature so closely linked to the divine.

The high status of cats was also evident in their frequent depiction in Egyptian art, sculpture, and hieroglyphs, where they appeared as symbols of grace, poise, and divinity, often in domestic or religious contexts .

The emotional bond between Egyptians and their cats was profound and is most clearly illustrated by the mourning practices observed upon the death of a family cat.

When a cat died, it was customary for the owners to shave their eyebrows as a public and visible sign of grief.

This ritual was not a minor gesture but a culturally significant act that marked the depth of sorrow and respect felt for the deceased animal.

The shaving of eyebrows served as a social signal, indicating to the community that the family was in mourning, and it paralleled the seriousness with which the death of a human family member was treated.

This practice highlights the integration of cats into the fabric of family life and the recognition of their emotional and spiritual importance .

Mourning for a cat did not end with eyebrow shaving.

Cats were often given elaborate burial rites, including mummification, a process usually reserved for humans and other sacred animals.

The mummification of cats involved careful embalming and wrapping, intended to preserve the body for the afterlife.

Archaeological discoveries have revealed cat cemeteries and catacombs containing thousands of mummified cats, as well as tomb paintings and sculptures depicting cats in both domestic and religious settings.

These findings indicate that Egyptians believed cats would accompany and protect their owners in the afterlife, further emphasizing their spiritual significance and the belief in a continued existence beyond death .

The worship of Bastet and the veneration of cats were not limited to private households but were also expressed in public religious life.

Temples dedicated to Bastet, such as the famous temple at Bubastis, became major religious centers where rituals, offerings, and festivals were held in honor of the goddess and her sacred animals.

These celebrations often included large gatherings, processions, and the presentation of mummified cats as votive offerings, illustrating the communal and spiritual dimensions of cat reverence in ancient Egypt .

Cats’ sacred status was further reinforced by their role in funerary practices and beliefs about the afterlife.

Egyptians viewed the afterlife as a continuation of earthly existence, and the presence of cats in tombs—either as mummified companions or as artistic representations—was intended to provide protection and companionship for the deceased.

The careful burial of cats, sometimes alongside their owners, and the existence of specialized workshops for animal mummification underscore the organized and ritualistic nature of these practices .

The multifaceted value of cats in ancient Egypt is also evident in their legal, cultural, and practical roles.

In addition to their spiritual and emotional significance, cats were indispensable in agricultural communities for their ability to control pests, which had direct implications for food security and economic stability.

Their presence in households was seen as a blessing, and their images were used as amulets and symbols of good fortune.

The combination of these roles—spiritual protector, practical helper, and beloved companion—explains why cats were so highly esteemed and rigorously protected in Egyptian society .

Regional variations in the treatment of cats existed, reflecting the diverse cultural landscape of ancient Egypt.

While the worship of Bastet and the reverence for cats were widespread, local customs and associations with other deities sometimes influenced the specific ways in which cats were honored or integrated into religious practices.

Nevertheless, the core elements of cat veneration—spiritual association with Bastet, legal protection, mourning rituals, and mummification—remained consistent across regions, highlighting the pervasive and enduring nature of their significance .

Comparatively, the reverence for cats in ancient Egypt was unique and far more pronounced than in most other cultures.

While some societies, such as those in medieval Europe, associated cats with superstition and witchcraft, leading to their persecution, Egyptians viewed cats as sacred and beneficial.

In other cultures, black cats might be seen as omens of good or bad luck, but the specific spiritual connections, legal protections, and mourning rituals found in Egypt were unparalleled.

This distinctive relationship between humans and cats in ancient Egypt has contributed to the enduring perception of cats as mystical, independent, and spiritually significant creatures in the modern world .

In summary, cats were highly valued in ancient Egypt due to their deep spiritual association with the goddess Bastet, their practical role in protecting households from pests, their prominent representation in art and funerary practices, and the profound emotional bonds they fostered with humans.

Mourning rituals such as shaving eyebrows upon a cat’s death, elaborate burial and mummification practices, and strict legal protections all underscore the extraordinary reverence Egyptians held for cats.

These multifaceted connections—spiritual, practical, emotional, and legal—made cats not only cherished companions but also essential and sacred members of ancient Egyptian society .

Cats were among the most highly valued animals in ancient Egypt, occupying a unique position that blended spiritual, practical, and emotional dimensions within Egyptian society.

Cats were among the most highly valued animals in ancient Egypt, occupying a unique position that blended spiritual, practical, and emotional dimensions within Egyptian society.

Cats were among the most highly valued animals in ancient Egypt, occupying a unique position that blended spiritual, practical, and emotional dimensions within Egyptian society.

Their elevated status was rooted primarily in their association with the goddess Bastet, who was one of the most widely venerated deities in the Egyptian pantheon.

Their elevated status was rooted primarily in their association with the goddess Bastet, who was one of the most widely venerated deities in the Egyptian pantheon.

Their elevated status was rooted primarily in their association with the goddess Bastet, who was one of the most widely venerated deities in the Egyptian pantheon.

Bastet was depicted either as a lioness or as a woman with the head of a lioness or domestic cat, symbolizing protection, fertility, motherhood, home, and domesticity.

Bastet was depicted either as a lioness or as a woman with the head of a lioness or domestic cat, symbolizing protection, fertility, motherhood, home, and domesticity.

She was also regarded as a fierce protector of the pharaoh and the household, embodying both nurturing and defensive qualities.

She was also regarded as a fierce protector of the pharaoh and the household, embodying both nurturing and defensive qualities.

She was also regarded as a fierce protector of the pharaoh and the household, embodying both nurturing and defensive qualities.

Egyptians believed that cats embodied the spirit and protective powers of Bastet, which elevated them from ordinary animals to sacred beings within the cultural and religious landscape of Egypt .

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Content: Home » Celebrating our fellow felines

Celebrating our fellow felines

by admin

Every August 8, animal lovers around the world come together to celebrate International Cat Day, a day dedicated to honoring and recognizing the presence and special role that cats have in our lives, this holiday has become an opportunity to highlight the importance of caring for and respecting our feline friends, as well as to raise awareness of the need to protect and preserve their well-being.

The role of the Cat in the History of Culture

Cats have played a significant role in various cultures and historical moments. From ancient Egypt, where they were considered symbols of divinity and associated with the goddess Bastet, to medieval Europe, where they were considered guardians of homes and farms due to their ability to keep rodent populations in check, cats have been around. present in human life in different ways.

In the Middle Ages, however, cats also faced hard times when they were linked with superstition and witchcraft, leading to persecution and slaughter. Fortunately, over time, the relationship between humans and cats has evolved towards a more harmonious and beneficial coexistence for both parties.

Education and care of cats

Photo: Pet City

Training a cat requires patience, understanding and knowledge. Here are some key tips to ensure your cat thrives happy and healthy.

Provide a suitable environment, make sure your home is safe and comfortable for your cat. Provide places for him to rest and hide, as well as toys and environmental enrichment to stimulate his mind.

Food and hydration, offers a balanced diet appropriate to the needs of your cat. It often provides fresh, clean water.

See also  The Democratic Party of Korea, taking to the streets, "condemns the marine discharge of contaminated water from Fukushima" [뉴시스Pic] :: Sympathy Press Newsis News Agency ::

Litter box, keep a clean and accessible litter box so your cat can eliminate. Clean the box regularly to avoid health problems and bad smells.

Health problems and bad odors. Socialization and Play Interact and play with your cat daily to keep him physically and mentally active. Play with toys and interaction with other animals can be beneficial

Veterinary Care Schedule regular visits to the vet to make sure your cat is up to date on vaccinations and health checks. This is essential to prevent and detect any medical problem in time.

Hygiene, brush your cat’s coat to keep it clean and reduce the formation of hairballs. Also, take care of their oral health by brushing their teeth or providing dental treats.

Respect and love, each cat has its own personality and needs. He respects his space and his quiet times, and show him love and affection according to his preferences.

fun facts about cats

Courtesy Week The sense of smell, although we don’t talk so much about their sense of smell as about their vision and hearing, cats have a highly developed sense of smell. They use their nose to explore and recognize the world around them. They are amazing, they are excellent jumpers and can jump up to six times their length in a single jump. This is partly due to the unique structure of their hind legs, which gives them great power and flexibility. Mysterious purr, cats are believed to purr not only when they are happy, but also when they are sick or injured. Purring could have healing properties and help in the regeneration of bones and tissues. Cats in space, the first cat to travel to space was named Felicette, also known as ‘Felix’. She was launched by the French Space Agency in 1963 and returned safely. Tail Communication Cats use their tails to communicate. A pricked tail usually indicates confidence and happiness, while a wagging tail could mean the cat is excited or agitated. Born hunters, domestic cats retain their hunting instincts. They can hunt insects, mice and other small animals, which is also a form of exercise and mental stimulation. Exceptional night vision, cats have cells in their eyes called rods, which allow them to see in low light conditions. Their night vision is up to six times better than that of humans.

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A new weekly podcast will investigate the remarkable hidden history of everyday objects in your home.

Made by award-winning history network, Noiser.

It's now available on BBC Sounds as well as all other podcast platforms.

The Curious History of Your Home takes you on a journey to discover how the ordinary items that surround you, all have their own remarkable story.

In each episode presenter Ruth Goodman delves into the intriguing tales behind commonplace items, revealing their extraordinary origins.

From the sleek and compact vacuum cleaner, once powered by horses and operated by four to six people, to the ancient Greek practice of tooth brushing with ground-up bones and oyster shells, each episode promises a captivating exploration of our domestic surroundings.

Launching with a fascinating exploration into Wallpaper, Ruth Goodman uncovers a wealth of captivating facts about this deceptively simple home decor item.

Did you know that the origins of paper trace back to Ancient China, credited to the inventive mind of Cai Lun, who drew inspiration from observing a wasp craft its nest? The concept of wallpaper, traversing the ancient Silk Road, gradually eclipsed tapestry hangings in popularity. Notably, historical figures such as Oliver Cromwell attempted to suppress its production, deeming it frivolous.

Venturing further into the Victorian era, designer William Morris left an indelible mark by creating stunning wallpapers. However, these exquisite designs concealed a perilous secret—vibrant green pigments infused with arsenic. Shockingly, these wallpapers became, quite literally, to-die-for, as physicians of the time attributed a spate of mysterious deaths to the arsenic content.

Talking on the series Ruth says: “Our homes are full of history, but not just in the dusty photo album in your cupboard. We are surrounded by household items that we often take for granted, but each of them has its own remarkable tales of discovery and invention. Everything from forks, wallpaper, curtains, to household pets, each has a story that’s just waiting to be told. And that’s exactly what I do in this new podcast series!”

Full episode line up including fun facts discusses are as follows:

Episode 1: Wallpaper - Oliver Cromwell considered wallpaper frivolous, so he banned its manufacture.

Episode 2: The Fridge - Ruth discovers how the ancient Persians had an eco-friendly way of storing ice… in the desert!

Episode 3: Baths - In medieval London, bathhouses known as stews doubled as brothels. Eventually Henry VIII shut them down to halt the spread of a deadly new disease – syphilis.

Episode 4: Lights - Prehistoric cave paintings were done by lamplight. Animal fat was burned in a stone receptacle to provide light to paint by, without producing too much smoke that would damage the paintings.

Episode 5: Washing Up - An early dishwasher inventor, William Howard Livens, was also the inventor of projectile weapons during WWI.

Episode 6: Forks - Ruth tells the stranger than fiction tale of how during the Industrial Revolution, a steelmaker found a new way to make forks which was so successful, a rival steelmaker snuck into his workshop disguised as a beggar, and stole away with his trade secrets.

Episode 7: Coffee - In 1600, the pope was asked to weigh in on whether coffee really was the invention of Satan – and he declared it safe to drink!

Episode 8: Gardening - Did you know that ancient Egyptians believed gardens could help guide them in the afterlife, and often took miniature gardens with them to their tombs?

Episode 9: Cats - In this episode Ruth discovers that in Medieval England, the most common name for cats was Gilbert.
Episode 10: Chairs - The first mass-produced chair went into production in Vienna in 1859. You might recognise this bistro style chair, because it’s still in production today.

Speaking on the making of the series, Pascal Hughes, Noiser CEO says: “We are all about history at Noiser, we usually explore significant events and people from the past, but this podcast is all about uncovering the epic in the ordinary. Ruth has a special talent for bringing these stories to life, it’s a dream pairing.”

Listen to The Curious History of Your Home, each Tuesday, wherever you get your podcasts.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITOR:

Press contact:

fiona@powpr.co.uk

About Ruth Goodman

Ruth Goodman is a social and domestic historian working with museums, theatre, television and educational establishments. She has presented and consulted on several highly successful television series including “The Edwardian Farm”, “The Victorian Farm”, “Victorian Farm Christmas” “Tales from the Green Valley” and “The Victorian Pharmacy” (all for primetime BBC Two) as well as presenting a variety of films for The One Show and Coast. “The Victorian Farm” was one of BBC Two’s biggest hits in 2009 and was nominated for a Royal Television Society Award. The book of the series, also called “The Victorian Farm” went to No. 1 in The Sunday Times’s best seller list. These were followed by The Wartime Farm which regularly attracted up to 3 million viewers per week and was also accompanied by a successful book of the same title. In 2013 she presented Tudor Monastery Farm and earlier in the year ‘The Wonder of Dogs’ (BBC 2). She was the Judge on BBC 1’s ‘24 Hours in the Past’ and is the historical expert on BBC 2’s “Inside the Factory: How our Favourite Foods are Made (now in its 8th series). Ruth is currently Presenter on Channel 5’s “On the Farm”.
As well as her tv tie-in books, she has published “How to be a Victorian” and “How to be a Tudor” (Pub: Penguin Viking) both critically and commercially successful in the UK and abroad including the US and China. Her most recent books are “How to Behave Badly in Renaissance Britain” was published in 2018 by Michael O’Mara and “The Domestic Revolution – How the introduction of Coal into our homes changed Everything” was published in 2020.
As well as her television work, Ruth offers advisory services, lectures and holds practical workshops around the country. As a social historian she works with a whole range of people, institutions and museums such as The Weald and Downland, The Globe Theatre, Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust, the National Trust and the heritage and drama departments of several universities.
Her particular interest is the domestic; how we lived our daily lives and why we did the things we did. How seemingly little things change the world. Our day to day routines have a huge cumulative effect on the environment; our shopping habits can sway the world’s patterns of trade and how we organise and run our family life sets the political tone of nations.

About Noiser

Noiser are an award-winning podcast network reaching millions of listeners every week.

Creators of hit podcasts Real Dictators, Short History Of, Real Survival Stories, and more.

Specialising in history and true stories, Noiser are renowned for their immersive storytelling. Their style is unique in the podcast space, featuring interviews with top historians, mixed with dramatic narration, original music, and sound design for a cinematic audio experience.

Since launching in 2020, the independent podcast network has seen sustained growth and won multiple accolades including the Gold Award for Best Arts and Culture for hit series Real Dictators, and Bronze Award for Best Network at the British Podcast Awards in 2023.

The network has attracted the attention of Spotify, who have promoted the series Real Survival Stories via a dynamic billboard in Leicester Square, and the BBC who have acquired the non-exclusive rights to multiple Noiser originals to feature on BBC Sounds.

Noiser’s podcast History Daily has attracted the attention of tens of thousands every day, including Canadian American actor Ryan Reynolds. Reynolds who claims to have never missed an episode, went on to host an April Fools’ prank on the podcast, acting in as the host Lindsay Graham.

Noiser’s podcast Short History Of was voted by Time Magazine as one of their top 10 best podcasts of 2022.
A collage of magazines

Website: www.noiser.com

This press release was distributed by ResponseSource Press Release Wire on behalf of Pow PR in the following categories: Entertainment & Arts, Leisure & Hobbies, Home & Garden, for more information visit https://pressreleasewire.responsesource.com/about.

The spiritual significance of cats was deeply embedded in Egyptian mythology and daily life.

The spiritual significance of cats was deeply embedded in Egyptian mythology and daily life.

The spiritual significance of cats was deeply embedded in Egyptian mythology and daily life.

Cats were thought to possess the ability to ward off evil spirits and disease, and their presence in the home was believed to bring good fortune and safeguard the family.

Cats were thought to possess the ability to ward off evil spirits and disease, and their presence in the home was believed to bring good fortune and safeguard the family.

Cats were thought to possess the ability to ward off evil spirits and disease, and their presence in the home was believed to bring good fortune and safeguard the family.

This belief was not merely symbolic; cats played a practical role in protecting food supplies by hunting vermin such as mice and rats, which threatened stored grain and other resources.

This belief was not merely symbolic; cats played a practical role in protecting food supplies by hunting vermin such as mice and rats, which threatened stored grain and other resources.

Their effectiveness as hunters reinforced their reputation as protectors, further intertwining their practical value with their spiritual symbolism .

The reverence for cats extended into the legal and social frameworks of ancient Egypt.

The reverence for cats extended into the legal and social frameworks of ancient Egypt.

The reverence for cats extended into the legal and social frameworks of ancient Egypt.

Killing a cat, even accidentally, was considered a grave offense punishable by death, reflecting the seriousness with which Egyptians regarded the sanctity of these animals.

Killing a cat, even accidentally, was considered a grave offense punishable by death, reflecting the seriousness with which Egyptians regarded the sanctity of these animals.

Killing a cat, even accidentally, was considered a grave offense punishable by death, reflecting the seriousness with which Egyptians regarded the sanctity of these animals.

This legal protection was unique and underscored the deep respect and fear associated with harming a creature so closely linked to the divine.

This legal protection was unique and underscored the deep respect and fear associated with harming a creature so closely linked to the divine.

This legal protection was unique and underscored the deep respect and fear associated with harming a creature so closely linked to the divine.

The high status of cats was also evident in their frequent depiction in Egyptian art, sculpture, and hieroglyphs, where they appeared as symbols of grace, poise, and divinity, often in domestic or religious contexts .

The emotional bond between Egyptians and their cats was profound and is most clearly illustrated by the mourning practices observed upon the death of a family cat.

The emotional bond between Egyptians and their cats was profound and is most clearly illustrated by the mourning practices observed upon the death of a family cat.

The emotional bond between Egyptians and their cats was profound and is most clearly illustrated by the mourning practices observed upon the death of a family cat.

When a cat died, it was customary for the owners to shave their eyebrows as a public and visible sign of grief.

When a cat died, it was customary for the owners to shave their eyebrows as a public and visible sign of grief.

When a cat died, it was customary for the owners to shave their eyebrows as a public and visible sign of grief.

This ritual was not a minor gesture but a culturally significant act that marked the depth of sorrow and respect felt for the deceased animal.

This ritual was not a minor gesture but a culturally significant act that marked the depth of sorrow and respect felt for the deceased animal.

The shaving of eyebrows served as a social signal, indicating to the community that the family was in mourning, and it paralleled the seriousness with which the death of a human family member was treated.

This practice highlights the integration of cats into the fabric of family life and the recognition of their emotional and spiritual importance .

Title:

Content: S’porean, 33, went from working as a bouncer & delivery rider to his childhood dream job

Stories of Us: Mohamad Fateha is now making up for the regrets of his youth.

| Andrew Koay | Sponsored | October 15, 2021, 12:19 PM

Each day Mohamad Fateha goes to the local secondary school where he works as a desktop engineer.

The job involves providing what he calls “first-level troubleshooting support for the whole school” — whenever teachers, staff, or students have a problem with their devices, Fateha is the man.

For some, this may sound mundane, but for the 33-year-old Singaporean each day at the office is a day where he’s living out his dreams and doing something he never thought he would.

“I know a few other people who work in the IT industry — they actually don’t like their job,” he said to me over a Zoom call.

“I don’t know why.”

Developing an interest in IT

Working in IT had always been an ambition of Fateha, going back to his days as a student.

Back then, Fateha remembers being largely disinterested in school, except when it came to a subject called Computer Applications.

“Of all the subjects I took in my N Levels, Computer Applications was the only one I got the top grades in.”

As the 33-year-old recalls, his aptitude for computers made sense, seeing as he spent large amounts of time playing with them; daily, from the time he returned from school till turning in for the night.

Fateha even built his own gaming PC as a 16-year-old; “that time we were using Intel Pentium 3, and Windows XP,” he said with a chuckle.

“I regretted”

However, when it came time to decide what he would do after his N Levels, it wasn’t IT that Fateha pursued.

Despite his passion for the subject, the impressionable youth found himself cajoled out of following his interest by friends and peers.

“They told me, ‘No need to take this IT stuff lah. Not nice, not good.’ Something like that.”

Instead, Fateha followed his friends to apply for precision engineering with a specialisation in the aerospace industry in ITE.

“We all applied together, but in the end, I’m the only one who got in,” said Fateha, who today manages to find humour in the predicament.

“I knew I shouldn’t have taken that course because I really wasn’t interested in it… I regretted.”

The next two years proved trying.

As much as he pushed himself, Fateha just couldn’t seem to get a good grasp of precision engineering.

“I tried to get good grades, but if I’m not wrong, I didn’t get any.”

He would go on to graduate with a grade point average of two.

Starting his career as a security officer

After finishing national service, Fateha set about looking for jobs related to his field of study but found opportunities few and far between.

Eventually, disheartened by the lack of interviews he was getting called back for, he decided to look elsewhere.

At the time, Singapore was just getting started at hosting the Formula One Grand Prix and all sorts of jobs were needed to facilitate its smooth running.

“They were looking for security officers,” said Fateha.

“So, I went to apply and they sponsored me to attend a course to get a security licence.”

That training would kick start a career in security that saw Fateha occupied for the good part of the next ten years, working mostly for nightclubs and bars.

And while he may not exactly have had a passion for security, Fateha quite enjoyed it.

“It was fun,” he said, laughing.

It was hard to imagine the warm and jovial man I was talking to tossing unruly patrons out of the dance floor and into the streets and Fateha was quick to confirm that he dealt with such situations “ethically”.

“We just try to cool down the situation, and if they have things to settle, I will tell them to go outside and settle it.”

“Most of the time, we won’t let them back in!” he chuckled.

Losing employment in the midst of a crisis

Yet, come 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic had cruelly exposed just how ephemeral working in the nightclub industry can be.

On Mar. 26, 2020, at 11:59pm, a week before Singapore entered its circuit breaker, the doors to all nightlife establishments were shut.

Now without a steady means of income, Fateha took to working as a food delivery rider.

At the same time, he was now more acutely aware of the need to upskill himself and find a career in an industry that was somewhat crisis-proof.

He started looking into the SGUnited Skills programme, an initiative by the government that rolled out during the pandemic to support up to 100,000 job seekers.

Courses that fall under the programme are heavily subsidised and offer trainees a monthly allowance while they undergo training over six to 12 months.

Looking up the list of courses available, Fateha’s mind landed back to his days as a student, when he dreamed of working in IT.

“I saw this as my chance to continue my studies, get back to IT, and make a stable career for myself.”

Going back to study after 14 years

He sent queries to a few of the institutions offering IT courses, and within 30 minutes heard back from Lithan Academy.

“They cleared up all the queries that I had about their school, and they gave me the feeling that I was not too old to learn and to go on a learning journey.”

One of his questions pertained to Lithan’s recognition in Singapore; Fateha had never heard of the institution.

“They said if I’m worried it is not recognised, they will prove it by getting their talent specialists to help me to get a job after I complete the courses,” he recalled.

Soon enough, Fateha found himself going back to school at age 32 — enrolled to sit for an Advanced Certificate in IT Service (Infrastructure Support) — a good 14 years after he’d last done any formal education.

Yet, Fateha wasn’t nervous despite the long break from studying.

“I spent a lot of time on my computer,” he explained.

“And when I’m doing that, I’m not just watching videos. Sometimes I’m reading up about cybersecurity, about physics, about a lot of subjects that I can find on the internet. So in a way I never stopped learning.”

Classes at Lithan were entirely conducted online and involved a combination of self-paced e-learning, instructor-led classes, and one-on-one mentoring with an industry practitioner; the flexible set-up suited Fateha.

Lessons tended to focus on practical applications rather than theoretical discussions, an approach that has paid off in Fateha’s current job — “almost everything I learned at Lithan, I apply it today.”

When I asked him what he enjoyed the most about studying at Lithan Academy, Fateha didn’t hesitate.

“I like the instructors and mentors, they’re actually very fun. Some of my previous teachers were old and not fun. But for the Lithan instructors, they are old, but they are actually fun,” he said in typical jesting fashion.

“If you want to talk casually as well, they don’t mind. So I felt very comfortable with them.”

Finding a job

Once the six-month course wrapped up, it was time for Lithan to make good on their earlier promise.

Fateha was assigned a talent specialist, named Taniel Chew, who coached him on how to write a resume and present himself at interviews.

“I don’t know what to say about this guy (Chew). As long as I didn’t get a job, he would keep calling me and sending my resumes to companies.”

The process of finding a job wasn’t entirely smooth.

As Chew explained, despite being short-listed for a number of positions, Fateha didn’t make it past the interview stage.

Sensing that Fateha was getting dejected, Chew called him for a heart-to-heart talk.

He said: “I did not want him to give up his dream as it is not easy to take the first step to go back and study after stepping into the working world… I did not want him to stop halfway.”

The pair decided that there were aspects of Fateha’s manner that may come across as off-putting during the often-formal setting of a job interview, and worked to rectify them.

Years of working as a security officer may have conditioned Fateha to speak in quite a fierce tone, reasoned Chew, and so they practised presenting the much friendlier side of his personality.

It wasn’t long before the coaching paid off, and Fateha was offered the job of desktop engineer.

“It’s a fun day”

Today, Fateha sees work as a pleasure and a blessing.

He prefers the days that are busy, where the tasks come one after the other.

“It’s a busy day, but it’s a fun day,” he said.

“During the September school holidays, it was really really boring.”

More than that, I can’t help but feel that Fateha is revelling in finally having a dependable source of income that stems out of something he is passionate about.

“After my NS, getting a stable career was so hard that I forced myself to go into the security industry. So now that I have a stable career, it’s very shocking,” he reflected.

“It’s really surreal.”

To find out more about Lithan Academy, register your interest here.

Stories of Us is a series about ordinary people in Singapore and the unique ways they’re living their lives. Be it breaking away from conventions, pursuing an atypical passion, or the struggles they are facing, these stories remind us both of our individual uniqueness and our collective humanity.

The writer spent a busy and fun day working on this Lithan Academy-sponsored article

Image courtesy of Mohamad Fateha

Mourning for a cat did not end with eyebrow shaving.

Mourning for a cat did not end with eyebrow shaving.

Cats were often given elaborate burial rites, including mummification, a process usually reserved for humans and other sacred animals.

Cats were often given elaborate burial rites, including mummification, a process usually reserved for humans and other sacred animals.

Cats were often given elaborate burial rites, including mummification, a process usually reserved for humans and other sacred animals.

The mummification of cats involved careful embalming and wrapping, intended to preserve the body for the afterlife.

The mummification of cats involved careful embalming and wrapping, intended to preserve the body for the afterlife.

The mummification of cats involved careful embalming and wrapping, intended to preserve the body for the afterlife.

Archaeological discoveries have revealed cat cemeteries and catacombs containing thousands of mummified cats, as well as tomb paintings and sculptures depicting cats in both domestic and religious settings.

These findings indicate that Egyptians believed cats would accompany and protect their owners in the afterlife, further emphasizing their spiritual significance and the belief in a continued existence beyond death .

Title:

Content: How Black Cats Became a Symbol of Bad Luck

Famous cat daddy Jackson Galaxy looks into the galvanizing history of black cats, particularly how they became enduring symbols of bad luck and superstition.

It’s true – black cats have been truly vilified throughout our history, from mythology to being burned at the stake as witches to… well every superstition you can think of.

Galaxy recounts how these beautiful cats got such a bad rap. The famous “Halloween Cat” pose, their association with witchcraft, and how the particularly zealous Pope Gregory IV eradicated Europe of all cats.

I gotta say if you gotta blame the demonization the official demonization of cats and especially black cats in the world starting in Europe it would be Pope Gregory IX. Thanks Pope Gregory IX, because in 1233 …he basically called out witches as worshiping a devil that was this shadowy half-man half cat I mean that basically made cats “cattis non-gratis”, especially in Europe.

Sadly, the bubonic plague spread freely across Europe as there were no cats to keep the rat population down.

By the 1300s it’s theorized anyway, that cat numbers were depleted so badly … that allowed the Bubonic Plague to just flourish. …The the more this went on the worse the rap was that black cats had on them.

The demonization got worse with the Salem witch trials and the propagation of superstition throughout history.

There is worshiping and there is vilifying and burning at the stake and all stops in between and that’s what the black cat has represented through time. …The Halloween cat and how badly misinterpreted that body position is. It is a surviving damning vision of the black cat especially when we associate during Halloween a witch and a black cat …These are vestiges of discrimination and wholesale slaughter of an innocent animal.

That being said, black cats are wonderful, sweet animals who, sadly, have a harder time getting adopted.

We gotta spread the word you guys black cats are good luck black cats are righteous … spread the word adopt a black cat today. Foster a black cat today.

Title:

Content: Pets: The Truth About Cats

Cat language

Can cats talk? The short answer is no, but they may be better communicators than many realize.

Gabriela Smith of the Messerli Research Institute in Vienna, Austria, is one of several researchers working on they can talk Participate, a citizen science project that tests the communication skills of pets, including cats. Participants observe whether the animals can learn to press buttons to convey simple but specific messages. “Hitting the ‘exit’ button means they want to go out, while pressing the ‘water’ button alerts them that something is wrong with the water,” explains Smith.

Compared to dogs, communication with cats is much less studied, also because cats are more difficult to deal with: they are less willing to bribe treats. Hence Citizen Science’s approach: “There’s an advantage to studying cats at home, where they’re behaving more naturally,” says Smith.

So far about 300 cats have been registered for the project, which is still in its infancy. But if cats can really learn to press the right buttons, this raises another question: What do they understand about what they do? “There doesn’t have to be an intent to connect,” says Smith. A cat could easily learn that pressing a certain button correlates with opening a door, without realizing that this was only because the human got the message.

In a study published in November 2020, Popovic and colleagues led Proof of thatThat African wild cats may have already migrated as far as Poland 8,000 years ago — or that they interbred with Eurasian cats, which in turn picked up some of their distinctive DNA. maybe Study results from 2018 She explains that cats in central Europe carry some of the genetic markers found in cats domesticated 2,000 years ago, before the Romans. The wild ancestors of domestic cats are referred to as African wildcats or Middle Eastern wildcats, depending on who you ask. The confusion arises because the various species and subspecies of wild cats have all interbred to some degree and continue to do so to this day.

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Only in the last 200 years have humans begun selectively breeding cats. However, the focus was on visual rather than practical considerations. Most cats still mate as they like—unlike dogs, which have been bred for centuries to perform specific jobs, whether they’re excellent for hunting or as a purse. And unlike dogs, most cats still roam outdoors doing their natural behaviors like hunting. Compared to other pets, cats can largely determine their daily routine on their own. “Cats are semi-domesticated,” Lyons says. “If all the cats were released, they would probably be fine because they would kill birds, mice, rats, and lizards in order to survive.” So in the end, adapting to humans is not important to cats.

Of course, that doesn’t stop us from humanizing them to a great extent. Not only do dog owners talk to their pets in a similarly high pitch to infants and young children. this means that Study published in 2022 Written by Charlotte de Mouzon of the University of Paris-Nanterre and colleagues. “We recorded how people talk to their cats,” she says. Everyone had used baby talk for their loved ones.

Cats communicate when they want to

Are we deceiving ourselves? Maybe not. If you study cats’ behavior closely, you’ll find that they adapt to us more than we realize. “There are a lot of stereotypes about cat behavior,” says Christine Vitali of Unity College in Maine. However, many of these ideas have not been confirmed by current studies. For example, cats know when people are talking to them. in October 2022 study De Mouzon and her colleagues recorded cat owners speaking in a high, natural tone. They also picked up on strangers who said the same thing. When the cats heard their owners talking loudly, they changed their behavior: They looked around, became silent, or moved their ears and tails. However, they did not respond to the cries of the strangers who spoke in loud voices. “They don’t see all people as equal,” de Mouzon concludes.

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A group of Japanese researchers have also made a number of surprising discoveries in recent years. In 2019, a study led by Atsuko Saito at the University of Tokyo found, Domestic cats know their names. Their ears and tails move differently when they hear recordings of their owners saying their name compared to other words that sound alike. Your cat will likely ignore you at home if you call her. “Cats are not designed to respond to human cues,” Saito said at the time. At that time, New Scientist. “They communicate with people and when Your presence I want.”

cat in the box

All cats love to sit in boxes. This does not only apply to domestic cats, But also for big cats like tigers. Just: why are they doing this?

It makes sense when you think about feline behavior, says Gabriela Smith of the Messerli Research Institute in Vienna. The cardboard boxes apply gentle pressure to the cat on all sides, which is like the feeling of a kitten snuggling with its littermates. In addition, cats are predators that will ambush their prey, the researcher explains. “Maybe they are drawn to boxes because they can hide in them and sneak into things.”

So far fine, but why do cats like to sit on scraps of paper or flat, box-like surfaces? Cat owners took to Twitter in 2017 to have fun gluing outlines of shapes to their floors and posting pictures of their cats instantly sitting inside. hash mark # Cat Square trending, and the phrase “If I fit in, sit down” has become an aphorism.

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Four years later, Smith and her colleagues discovered In the citizen science experiment, Cats even sit in squares, which is actually just an optical illusion (a reference to the famous Canessa Triangle, where certain shapes and patterns in the background allow people to see a triangle that isn’t really there). “We’re still trying to figure out why.”

Charlotte de Mouzon of the University of Paris Nanterre suspects that cats also sit on all kinds of square objects for practical reasons: “When you bring home something new, cats have to spread their scent on it in order to distinguish it,” she says. This helps them feel safe in their surroundings. “And sitting on something is a way for cats to spread their scent.”

Other research indicates that cats respond to their owners in different ways. In 2021, the Japanese team, this time led by Saho Takagi of Kyoto University, managed to show those cats a mental “map” of where their owners are in space, by listening to their voices. Recorded sounds are also played from various loudspeakers, as if a human being had suddenly moved from one side of the room to the other, The cats moved their ears And he looked around – apparently surprised. “They listen to people carefully,” says Takagi.

The worship of Bastet and the veneration of cats were not limited to private households but were also expressed in public religious life.

The worship of Bastet and the veneration of cats were not limited to private households but were also expressed in public religious life.

The worship of Bastet and the veneration of cats were not limited to private households but were also expressed in public religious life.

Temples dedicated to Bastet, such as the famous temple at Bubastis, became major religious centers where rituals, offerings, and festivals were held in honor of the goddess and her sacred animals.

These celebrations often included large gatherings, processions, and the presentation of mummified cats as votive offerings, illustrating the communal and spiritual dimensions of cat reverence in ancient Egypt .

Cats’ sacred status was further reinforced by their role in funerary practices and beliefs about the afterlife.

Cats’ sacred status was further reinforced by their role in funerary practices and beliefs about the afterlife.

Cats’ sacred status was further reinforced by their role in funerary practices and beliefs about the afterlife.

Egyptians viewed the afterlife as a continuation of earthly existence, and the presence of cats in tombs—either as mummified companions or as artistic representations—was intended to provide protection and companionship for the deceased.

The careful burial of cats, sometimes alongside their owners, and the existence of specialized workshops for animal mummification underscore the organized and ritualistic nature of these practices .

The multifaceted value of cats in ancient Egypt is also evident in their legal, cultural, and practical roles.

The multifaceted value of cats in ancient Egypt is also evident in their legal, cultural, and practical roles.

The multifaceted value of cats in ancient Egypt is also evident in their legal, cultural, and practical roles.

In addition to their spiritual and emotional significance, cats were indispensable in agricultural communities for their ability to control pests, which had direct implications for food security and economic stability.

Their presence in households was seen as a blessing, and their images were used as amulets and symbols of good fortune.

Their presence in households was seen as a blessing, and their images were used as amulets and symbols of good fortune.

Their presence in households was seen as a blessing, and their images were used as amulets and symbols of good fortune.

The combination of these roles—spiritual protector, practical helper, and beloved companion—explains why cats were so highly esteemed and rigorously protected in Egyptian society .

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CultureEgypt

Egypt unveils ancient workshops used to make mummies

1 hour ago

Archaeologists in Egypt have revealed two workshops that were used to embalm people and animals. Tombs were also opened up, featuring walls that depict daily life and images of an ancient priest.

https://p.dw.com/p/4Rtaf

Egyptian antiquities officials on Saturday revealed that a research team had unearthed human and animal mummification workshops as well as two tombs in the ancient burial ground of Saqqara.

The discovery follows an excavation lasting around a year near the sanctuary of the goddess Bastet and catacombs of mummified cats in Saqqara, some 30 kilometers (roughly 18.5 miles) south of Cairo.

What did the archaeologists find?

The embalming workshops, one in which humans were mummified with the other used for animals, date back to ancient Egypt's 30th dynasty — which reigned about 2,400 years ago.

Egypt's tourism and antiquities ministry said that in one of the workshops, the researchers had "found several rooms equipped with stony beds where the deceased lay down for mummification."

At the end of each bed were gutters that appeared to be needed for the mummification process.

There was also a collection of clay pots nearby to hold entrails and organs, and an assembly of other instruments and ritual vessels.

An initial study of the second workshop suggested it was used to mummify sacred animals.

Also part of the discovery were the tombs of two priests, one dating back to the 24th century BC and the other to the 14th century BC.

The earliest belonged to Ne Hesut Ba, who was the head of scribes and priest of the gods Horus and Maat in the Old Kingdom's fifth dynasty.

Mohamed Youssef, director of the Saqqara archaeological site said the tomb walls were decorated with depictions of "daily life, agriculture, and hunting scenes."

The second tomb was carved in rock and features depictions of the deceased himself, a New Kingdom priest named Men Kheber, "in different positions."

It also contained a 1-meter-long (roughly 1 yard) alabaster statue.

Push for tourists pays off

Egypt's government has strongly promoted new archaeological finds to international media and diplomats in recent years in the hope that such discoveries will help attract more tourists to the country.

Cairo aims to revive an industry that suffered from political turmoil and that was battered by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and fallout from the conflict in Ukraine.

Economic data showed tourism revenues climbing to $7.3 billion in the second half of 2022, a 25.7% increase compared with the previous year.

rc/msh (AFP, AP)

Regional variations in the treatment of cats existed, reflecting the diverse cultural landscape of ancient Egypt.

Regional variations in the treatment of cats existed, reflecting the diverse cultural landscape of ancient Egypt.

Regional variations in the treatment of cats existed, reflecting the diverse cultural landscape of ancient Egypt.

While the worship of Bastet and the reverence for cats were widespread, local customs and associations with other deities sometimes influenced the specific ways in which cats were honored or integrated into religious practices.

Nevertheless, the core elements of cat veneration—spiritual association with Bastet, legal protection, mourning rituals, and mummification—remained consistent across regions, highlighting the pervasive and enduring nature of their significance .

Comparatively, the reverence for cats in ancient Egypt was unique and far more pronounced than in most other cultures.

Comparatively, the reverence for cats in ancient Egypt was unique and far more pronounced than in most other cultures.

Comparatively, the reverence for cats in ancient Egypt was unique and far more pronounced than in most other cultures.

While some societies, such as those in medieval Europe, associated cats with superstition and witchcraft, leading to their persecution, Egyptians viewed cats as sacred and beneficial.

While some societies, such as those in medieval Europe, associated cats with superstition and witchcraft, leading to their persecution, Egyptians viewed cats as sacred and beneficial.

While some societies, such as those in medieval Europe, associated cats with superstition and witchcraft, leading to their persecution, Egyptians viewed cats as sacred and beneficial.

In other cultures, black cats might be seen as omens of good or bad luck, but the specific spiritual connections, legal protections, and mourning rituals found in Egypt were unparalleled.

This distinctive relationship between humans and cats in ancient Egypt has contributed to the enduring perception of cats as mystical, independent, and spiritually significant creatures in the modern world .

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Content: Are black cats really bad luck, and are more hurt at Halloween? Experts bust popular myths

·4 min read

National Black Cat Day is Thursday. Halloween isn't far behind. Each year during spooky season, rumors swirl that black cats will bring bad luck.

Also among the myths: Black cats are evil and not adoptable.

Others believe the dark-colored felines are in danger of being "irresponsibly adopted" and returned to shelters once Halloween ends.

But Christa Chadwick, vice president of shelter services at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), said they aren't less likely to be adopted, there are just more black cats than cats of any other color. The black coloration gene in pets is dominant.

And there's no evidence to support the notion that they're in more danger around Halloween, she said.

"Black cats are not in peril on Halloween or any other day of the year," Chadwick told USA TODAY. "While black cats get wrapped up in outdated myths, the truth is that they’re just as sweet and lovable as the next feline."

'That's pure myth': Experts debunk the tale that black cats face more danger at Halloween

Reunited: Harriet the cat, who went missing in California, found nine years later in Idaho

What do black cats symbolize?

Jennifer Stott, executive director and cofounder of the Black Cat Rescue in Somerville, Massachusetts, has worked with black cats for 15 years.

In the U.S., black cats are sometimes deemed bad omens; some even have a reputation of being mean, and not as friendly as lighter-colored felines, she said.

Stottsaid black cats are "the underdogs of the cat world" because they are often overlooked.

She has also heard people argue that black cats aren't as pretty as those with other coat colors.

But in some countries, black cats are actually viewed as good luck, including in Japan and Scotland, according to History.com.

"For me, black cats have always sort of represented something a little magical in a positive way," Stott told USA TODAY.

She said black cats aren't any different from other cats, and she doesn't think coat color has any bearing on what cat personalities are like.

Are black cats actually bad luck? Here's what Americans think

Black cats have been involved in quite a few research projects over the past decade, including one done this fall by Champion Pet Foods and market research company OnePoll.

The companies conducted a survey among about 2,000 American cat owners and found that:

  • 41% of respondents think black cats bring good luck

  • 21% of participants think black cats bring bad luck

  • 30% don't think black cats bring any kind of luck

  • 8% aren't sure how they feel

Robert Carini, associate professor of sociology at the University of Louisville, led a study about cat coat colors and perceptions that was peer-reviewed and published in September 2020.

The team looked at coat color and its relation to adoptions, transfers, and the worst possible outcome, euthanasia, he said. Although the differences in numbers weren't large, cats with black coats did have some of the worst outcomes, he said.

"They didn't have a much higher chance," but "it still is a statistically detectable, higher proportion of them ultimately being euthanized rather than adopted or transferred, which includes fostering," he said.

Black cats and Halloween adoptions

Halloween doesn't impact black cat adoptions, according to Carini's research.

"It's kind of a shame that things may be looking this way for them," Carini told USA TODAY. "We didn't find it helped them in terms of their outcomes in the month of October over the two years of data that we had. We were hoping that black cats would get a break."

Stott from the Black Cat Rescue said it can be tough getting people to adopt them, both because of the belief that they bring bad luck and the fact that they physically fade into the background of cages in shelter settings.

But while many people think they are less likely to be adopted, they aren't, she said. They are more likely to be euthanized though.

And many people think black cats shouldn't be available for adoption in October, but not Stott.

In her eyes, halting adoptions is not the best thing to do. If black cats aren't adopted in October, other cats may end up in shelters that euthanize animals, she said.

"When people try to protect cats from this mythical possibility of hypothetical things that might happen to them, they are actually hurting real cats in real time," she said.

In October, her shelter takes advantage of the cats' association with Halloween, hosting special events, like this year's Halloween pizza party.

"A lot of people don't like to associate them too much with Halloween but we have found that if we keep things really positive and upbeat, that it can really spread goodwill," Stott said. "Most of our donations for the year, we do get in October, so that association to Halloween can be a positive thing."

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757 – and loves all things horror, witches, Christmas, and food. Follow her on Twitter at @Saleen_Martin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: National Black Cat Day: Are they really bad luck? Experts weigh in

In summary, cats were highly valued in ancient Egypt due to their deep spiritual association with the goddess Bastet, their practical role in protecting households from pests, their prominent representation in art and funerary practices, and the profound emotional bonds they fostered with humans.

Mourning rituals such as shaving eyebrows upon a cat’s death, elaborate burial and mummification practices, and strict legal protections all underscore the extraordinary reverence Egyptians held for cats.

These multifaceted connections—spiritual, practical, emotional, and legal—made cats not only cherished companions but also essential and sacred members of ancient Egyptian society .