Every year on November 17, Italy celebrates the very unusual holiday — Black Cat Day (also known as Black Cat Day), which was established on the initiative of activists of the Italian Association for the Protection of the Environment and Animals and was first celebrated in 2007.
It is known that among many peoples black cats are considered a symbol of misfortune. For a long time, magical properties were attributed to them; they were called the embodiment of evil spirits and the first assistants of witches and sorcerers. And although the Middle Ages are behind us, dark superstitions are still alive — and primarily black cats suffer from them. The famous song that « is only a black cat and has no luck» is fully justified in our time.
Every year, several dozen, or even hundreds of thousands of black cats die and disappear in the world (probably not without the help of ill-wishers). In Rome alone, owners lose 15 thousand black cats annually. In addition, there is evidence that black kittens are less likely than others to be taken from shelters.
Having collected statistics on «unlucky» animals, Italian activists from the Association for the Protection of the Environment and Animals began to solve the problem of extermination of black cats. The first step was the approval of Black Cat Day in 2007. According to the Association, the organization will not only help cats, but also reward people who show sympathy for hunted animals.
However, in some countries around the world, black cats do not need help at all. For example, in the UK, prejudice against these animals is extremely positive. For example, in some areas of England they believe that the owner of a black cat will never be left without fans, and in Scotland they believe that a cat the color of night brings wealth to the house. Sailors do not offend black cats either: they are sure that a ship or domestic cat of this color promises good luck in swimming.