Cats are one of the most popular animals in the world. Their mysterious character, their sweet eyes, their elegant way of walking… all this has made them very successful furry people, capable of living both in a chalet with a garden and in an apartment.
But… What do cats represent in different cultures? What each of us thinks of them is one thing, but what they represent in different countries can be very different. So if you're curious to know, don't take your gaze off the monitor 😉.
Ancient Egypt
Cats became pets in the Egypt of the pharaohs, more or less in the year 3000 a. At that time the Egyptians worshiped these animals as they controlled the rodents that fed on the precious cereal. They became so loved that whoever dared to kill one was condemned.
Never the felis catus he was so popular: he became a god (well, goddess 🙂)! Bastet was her name, and it symbolized beauty and fertility.
Greece
When the Greeks went to Egypt they fell in love with cats, and They did not hesitate to steal six couples that they took to their country. As new litters were born, the popularity that these animals already enjoyed only grew.
Thus, soon the Greeks sold kittens to the Romans and the Celts, making them spread throughout the Mediterranean.
China
In the past they were used as an exchange for fine silk, but also, they are so elegant and such good hunters that they were considered as symbols of peace, love, fortune and serenity. They are currently an exclusive mascot of women, but they are still seen as magnets for good fortune.
Japan
They arrived around the year 999 as a birthday present from the Japanese emperor. They are considered as magnets of good luck and money, and as a symbol of the grace and elegance of women, so there is a law that prohibits marketing and caging them.
India
In this country too came to the category of goddess. Her name was Sati, which represented fertility. In addition, small cat-shaped statues were made to ward off rodents.
Buddhists believed that they ward off evil spirits, and they loved the ability to meditate that these furry ones have.
As you can see, cats have been admired by many cultures 🙂.