Why the cat was considered a sacred animal in ancient times, or Where, when and how is the Day of the cat celebrated in our time

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

Despite the fact that for several millennia cat, being a beloved pet, is near a person, she still remains a mysterious and enigmatic creature for him. Today, there are about 600 million domestic cats in the world, which literally occupied people's homes, entering their homes as full owners. In their history there were both ups, when they were literally deified, and downs, when they were considered accomplices of evil spirits and were burned at the stake. About this and much more from the life of these amazing creatures - further, in the review.

Thanks to its ingenuity and ingenuity, dexterity and cunning, this amazing creature is fundamentally different from all other animals, therefore, it fell not only into the mythology of different peoples of the world, into literature and fine arts. The cat is a favorite subject for many photographers these days.

In today's review, we will present to our reader a whole photo gallery of adorable spring cats and kitties, we will tell you a few interesting facts from their history, as well as how this amazing animal is honored these days in different countries of the world.

A bit from the depths of history

An interesting fact is that for many centuries it was believed: the first who tamed these amazingly graceful animals were the ancient Egyptians, who lived about 2000 BC. For centuries, they have worshiped and idolized cats, elevating them to the rank of sacred. However, recent studies have shown that originally wild cats were domesticated by people in the Middle East (modern Turkey) about 10 centuries ago. Consequently, the "feline conquest" of Eastern Europe began about 6500 years ago, through the territory of modern Bulgaria, Romania and Greece.

Cats in Ancient Egypt

But, no matter what, the highest cult among cats in the entire history of development was, of course, in Ancient Egypt. Archaeologists have found mummies of cats that were buried with the pharaohs in their tombs. Cats living in palaces were hung with jewels, gifts were brought to them, they were revered on a par with the gods. When the animal that lived in the palace died, then the country declared mourning for 70 days. And even the Pharaoh himself had to trim his eyebrows as a sign of grief, reverence and respect for the cat.

And if it happened that someone accidentally killed a cat, he was immediately dealt with, often also putting to death. To kill a cat in that era was a very terrible crime and a mortal sin. There have even been documented cases of Egyptians rushing into flaming houses to make sure there were no cats left inside. And this once again proves with what love and deep respect these animals were treated in Ancient Egypt.

By the way, the cult of cats reached its highest religious formation at the dawn of the formation of the New Egyptian Kingdom - in 1550-1069 BC.

Ask why these animals were awarded such a high honor, what was the merit of cats to the ancient Egyptian civilization and what made them so important and inviolable? Yes, everything is trite simple: according to scientific historians, the Egyptians, although immensely liked the gracefulness, playfulness and carelessness of these creatures, but first of all, they were grateful to cats for hunting snakes, rodents (especially rats carrying plague and other diseases), which was the key to the safety of wheat stocks. In a word - the ancient Egyptians had cats in their home, saving their crops from rodents, thereby ensuring a comfortable existence for themselves.

And cats were also credited with a connection with the dark other world, using them in predicting the future and determining the will of the gods. In this respect, the cat was considered a special prophetic animal, the behavior of which was carefully observed and, according to certain signs, judged about the upcoming events.

Of course, in the superstitions and beliefs that came from the depths of centuries, of course, there was and remains a considerable amount of truth, for a cat, like no other animal, feels all kinds of changes - both for good and for bad.

Over time, when cats began to be personified with the Egyptian goddess Bastet, they began to be embalmed and mummified, as well as deeply honored. However, in 390 AD, a daredevil was found who, by an official imperial decree, banned the cult of cats. As a result, their fanatical reverence, immeasurable love and interest began to slowly fade away. But, the Egyptians, of course, have retained a warm attitude towards these creatures to this day.

The fate of cats in the Middle Ages

Over time, in European countries, people also realized how valuable helpers such as cats are in the fight to keep crops from gluttonous pests. Thus, the interests of humans and cats coincided. And they eventually became friends.

Nevertheless, centuries later, some European peoples have developed an ambiguous attitude towards cats. So, in the Middle Ages in some Catholic countries of Europe, cats began to be panicked, considering them evil and the embodiment of evil spirits. Especially Europeans were afraid of black cats and cats, since they were considered the devil's helpers. They were burned alive at bonfires or thrown from the high towers of the bell towers. Such a massive destruction of unfortunate animals in the Middle Ages led to an epidemic of plague, carried by rodents. Then people had to pay a great price, paying for treachery towards cats.

In Orthodox states, these creatures were treated exactly the opposite. In Russia, for example, a cat was considered a pure animal. Of all the animals, only she was allowed to enter the temple. In addition, the cats saved the bins of churches and monasteries from rodents, which provided them with the protection of the clergy for many years.

When is Cat Day

However, centuries have passed, and cats, despite the fact that they lost their divine status a long time ago, enjoy immense popularity and love among humanity all over the world.

By the way, over the past few decades, various public organizations in different countries have achieved the introduction of an unofficial holiday into the calendar for their cats. So, the International Day of cats for almost two decades is August 8. It was initiated in 2002 by the International Animal Welfare Foundation. In addition, some countries celebrate this holiday on completely different dates of the calendar, justifying the choice of the date in their own way.

So, Italy celebrates the day of the black cat on November 17. Namely - "black", as he tries to make amends to the cats for the Inquisition, which befell the fuzzies in the dark Middle Ages. In the United States of America, this day is celebrated on October 29. National Cat Day has been celebrated there since 2005 with the support of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

In Japan, Feline Recognition Day is celebrated on February 22nd. This is due to the fact that in Japanese the meow of a cat is rendered as "nyan-nyan-nyan". “Nyan” can also mean “two”, and “two-two-two” can be interpreted as February 22nd. On this day, the Cat Day Festival is held in Tokyo, where cats win prizes for the most unique behavior. The holiday has been held since 1987, with the initiative of the executive committee on the issue of cats in conjunction with the organization for the production of pet food.

In Poland, the day of the cat is celebrated on February 17. The participants of the holiday play with woolen balls and at the climax, everyone is wrapped in multi-colored threads. Every three years, on the second Sunday of May, in Belgium, in the city of Ypres, a cat parade is held.

But in Russia this day falls on the first day of the first spring month - March 1. According to age-old traditions, March is considered a "cat" month. No wonder they say: "March cat". For the first time, a day of cats in Russia was organized by the Moscow Cat Museum and the editorial board of the magazine and newspaper "Cat and Dog" in 2004.

It should also be noted that Peter the Great ordered in one of his decrees: But this is a completely different story, and we will tell about it in our next review.

Nowadays, cats live in almost every family. Communication with this graceful animal brings great joy to a person, raises his spirits. Many doctors recommend their patients to get a purr, which can heal a person from many diseases or alleviate it. It is enough to put the animal on a sore spot and the pain gradually disappears. Stroking a four-legged fluffy on a soft fur and his musical purr - normalizes blood pressure. Chatting with cats is especially beneficial for children. In many children's sanatoriums, cats are specially bred to help the child recover. The animal literally gives a person a positive energy, making him kind and peaceful.

It seems that many who do not yet have a cat, after viewing this wonderful photo gallery, will have a desire to make themselves a four-legged furry friend.

In continuation of the cat theme, I would like to present to our reader funny illustrations-comics from the life of adorable funny cats, artist Alexei Dolotov, which will certainly give a good mood.