Black Cat Day in Italy

Black Cat Day was celebrated for the first time in Italy The holiday quickly became popular among lovers of these mystical pets all over the world It is celebrated annually on November 17th The holiday was founded in 2007 by activists of the Italian Association for the Protection of the Environment and Animals The number 17 was not chosen by chance to celebrate this day: superstitious Italians consider it to bring bad luck Black cats are less fortunate than pets of other colors In ancient times, animals covered with black fur were considered accomplices of sorceresses, sorcerers and even the devil himself Some considered pitch black cats to be the embodiment of Satan During the Inquisition, they were burned along with their mistresses, who were accused of sorcery It even got to the point where they exterminated those pets that had at least one dark spot on their fur Surprisingly, however, black cats are still being destroyed by people due to prejudice They are less likely to be taken from shelters and are more often subjected to ruthless treatment Before Halloween, thousands of purring animals are killed simply because of their black fur In some countries, there are signs according to which a black cat can bring bad luck or, on the contrary, good luck in business In Russia, it is customary to regard a meeting with a black-haired cat as a sign of major failure or misfortune Residents of Scotland, on the contrary, believe that a night-colored cat brings wealth to the house Sailors going to sea for a long time considered it a symbol of a successful voyage On November 17, animal rights activists hold actions in defense of black cats By holding various events, exhibitions and flash mobs, activists are trying to rid black cats of their bad reputation and attract public attention to the problem of their extermination Information stands are opening all over Italy where you can learn more about the history of these mysterious pets, and on this day you can pick up the black kitten you like in shelters Also on this day, representatives of the Association reward people who have particularly distinguished themselves in actions to protect domestic animals