Pelushka Persians
Bred With Love & Care
Halloween
The Origins 
Of Halloween
The costumes, candy and trick or treat traditions as part of the Halloween celebration as we know it are relatively modern and they became popular in the first decades of the 20th century.
History traces Halloween back to the ancient religion of the Celtics. Celtics believed that the days around November the 1st were days when the line between the world of the living and the world of the dead became very easy to cross. They believed that at that time hostile supernatural forces were active and ghosts and spirits were free to wander as they wished.
Celtic beliefs lived through the centuries and in various forms still stay active in many cultures.
In many parts of the world, November 1st is still time to remember dead relatives and loved ones. In the United States, however, it grew into something much larger - into the fun, carnival like holiday - the Halloween.
The Black Cat
Superstition and Beliefs
Back arched, fur on end, eyes glowing, lip curled, hissing, claws drawn, ready to pounce on the first thing to cross its path. The black cat throuout history has been blamed for most of the wrongs of the world, from blasphemy to the plague. Even today, black cats conjure up images of witchcraft and magic tales. Edgar Allan Poe wrote about one and Hollywood has made movies about them.
For thousands of years, black cats have been regarded as mysterious creatures with supernatural powers and were associated with witches and even death. It was believed that witches could change into cats; in fact, it is believed they could make that change nine times. Some believe this to be the origin of the belief that cats have nine lives.
There are many superstitions associated with cats, partly because the cat has lived alongside humans for thousands of years. Superstitions centering around the black cat are some of the most well-known and popular superstitions today.
Will you worry the next time a black cat crosses your path?
It may depend on where you live in the world. In Britain and Japan, having a black cat cross your path, is considered good luck, whereas if you live in the USA or several European countries, it is bad luck to have a black cat walk by.
Animal Safety At Halloween
If you share your home with all-black, all-white, or mixed black and white cats, keep them indoors as there is a disturbingly high incidence of animals of these colors disappearing around Halloween. Believe it or not, there are some crazy people out there who will "sacrifice" black, white, or black and white animals in their "All Hallows Eve "ceremonies!"
Halloween can be a scary time for pets. As much as you and your children may want to include them in your own celebrations, remember that pets really don't understand what is going on around them.
Try to look at Halloween from a pet's point of view. There are some very sudden changes in the normally well-ordered household, maybe strange music, weird noises, odd clothing, an alteration in schedules, and lots of excitement. For humans, scary is good at Halloween, and the front door is opening and closing a lot to happy children dressed in scary costumes, but to your pet this is not 'good' scary!
Quite frankly, when it's Trick or Treat time, most pets prefer a quiet room and a favorite toy. But if you insist on your pet being an active part in the festivities, knowledge of a few possible dangers and a little common sense, can assure a safe Halloween.
- Trick-or-treat sweets are not for pets: Chocolate is poisonous to a lot of animals, and foil or cellophane wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.
- Be careful of pets around candles and lit pumpkins. Pets may knock them over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned.
- Don't try to dress your pet in a costume, it will only put him/her under a lot of stress.
- Be careful your cat or dog doesn't try to run out when opening the front door to Trick or Treat children and/or party guests.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
