Why are black cats considered unlucky

A.� The question comes from Chrischudley. Almost in the same breath, bazzer asked why it was considered unlucky to open an umbrella indoors. Let's deal with cats first. Here's an answer from Tophat, who says the superstition applies only if the cat does not have a single white hair on its body. 'Its colour is reminiscent of night and the powers of darkness: a sinister-looking, nocturnal animal by nature, it has been considered a consort of evil spirits, in particular witches.'

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Q.� Give me examples of puss's powers.

A.� Well, they're a little confusing. In Britain, a black cat is often said to be lucky. Loss of one, therefore, could be held to be unlucky. Take the case of a famous king.

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Q.� Ah. A royal connection already. Go on.

A.� Yes, this monarch owned a black cat and his fear of losing it was so great that he had guards look after it. Then one day it fell ill and died.

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Q.� Don't like the sound of this. What happened next

A.� The guard was arrested. This was Charles I,� and I don't need to tell you the gory details of what befell him.

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Q.� Well, I'm beginning to believe already. Any more

A.� There are lots of links with the sea. Sailors were usually a superstitious lot. Fishermen's wives would keep a black cat at home to prevent tragedy at sea. As a result, the cats became valuable and were often stolen. If a cat ran ahead of a sailor to the pier, that would bring good luck. But if the cat crossed his path, it meant bad luck. Cats were often kept�aboard. If the ship's cat approached a sailor, it meant good luck, but if the cat came only halfway and went away again it meant bad luck. And if the poor puss was thrown overboard, storms and disasters were a foregone conclusion.

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Q.� What this all about umbrellas then

A.� There are lots of myths with this one. Try these:

• A person will stop growing if you hold an open umbrella over his head while they are in their house
• Laying an umbrella on the bed or table is unlucky
• It's unlucky for a man to give an umbrella to a woman
• Dropping an umbrella is sign of a disappointment
• If you borrow an umbrella, you will have bad luck
• To be hit by an umbrella will cause you bad luck
• In sign language, carrying an umbrella over your right shoulder means: 'Follow me'.
• To carry an umbrella down in front of you indicates: 'I do not like you'.
• And, from the Philippines: If you open an umbrella inside the house, biting insects will come out

Q.� Come on, why is all this unlucky

A.� Ah, I wondered if you'd remember the question. Short answer is: Not sure. Nearest answer concerns the brolly's original use as a sunshade. Ancient people worshipped the sun (quite a few do nowadays!) and became alarmed when its rays were obscured. Therefore, if you opened the umbrella in your house, where the sun did not shine, it might make the sun never shine. Or so they thought.

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Q.� So do you believe these tales

A.� Of course not.

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Q.� Why are you crossing your fingers then

A.� For luck.

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