Many nations of the world considered animals cats enigmatic, mysterious, associated with the supernatural forces. In ancient Egypt they were sacred. In the East, they were associated with the Buddha, and Mohammed. In the medieval Europe, they were afraid and thought them the devil servants. At different times people believed that cats brought both luck and misfortune about them composed proverbs and sayings.
The Russian people considered cat an expensive gift, as it was believed that it brought comfort and well-being in the house, as well as to be able to protect crops from rodents plague, that is to save from starvation! However, black cats were afraid of: it was believed that a black cat can be turned into witches and evil spirit.
The cat – an animal that keeps its word and not break their oaths. Kite, who lives on the crown of a large tree, were afraid to leave their offspring, because of his absence, the Chicks would attack a cat. But at the same time, the Cat feared for the lives of their kittens and can't leave them alone. In such a situation it was necessary to find a compromise, and the animals decided to make peace. They took an oath to the sun God RA that in the absence of parents neither of the two predators would not attack children. Kite could not stand, broke his oath and killed the kittens. For this Great RA burned the tree with the nest, which contained Chicks. But the Cat said: "I even now will not hurt your Chicks, although they are so good fried!".
In Ancient Egypt there was a cult of the goddess – cat Bastet (bast), who was considered the personification of the solar and lunar light. Goddess depicted as a maiden with a cat's head or as a lioness. Bastet was the daughter of Osiris and ISIS.
This goddess was dedicated to prayers: She can give life and strength, all health and gladness of heart" or "I'm a cat, mother of life." In her honor, cats were worshiped, they were mummified, next put your mouse to the cats than it was to have fun and to eat in the afterlife.
The cult of the cat appeared in the most ancient period of Egyptian history (second dynasty) and lasted until 1 BC. The religious center of worship was the city of Bubastis on, where, according to the Greek historian, Herodotus , was the most beautiful temple of Egypt dedicated to Bastet. In the main sanctuary stood a huge statue of the goddess.
