Black Cat （黑猫）

It is probably because of its slyness and shrewdness, the cat is  often supposed to be connected with witch,witches and the devil.This fear may stem from the Middle Ages.

In Europe,the time between the Middle Ages and the 18th century is known as the witch-hunting era. In most of the cases, the "witches" were typically older women whose crimes were eccentricity,solitude and,especially,the inability to withstand the ordeals.

Frequently,the evidence the witch-hunters gave was that the  old woman owned a demon in the shape of an animal,most commonly a toad and a cat. Such belief of toads has died out today,but the  prejudice against the black cat survives.

Interstingly,although black cats are widely held in awe,that awe is not always one of fear.In England black cats are considered  lucky and this prejudice for the animal is believed to have existed  from time immemorial.

NOTES:

slyness 狡诈

shrewdness 精明

stem from 起源于，来自于

the Middle Age （欧洲历史上的）中世纪（约公元1100－1500年期间）

witch-hunting era “猎巫”时代（主要指中世纪欧洲异端审判所对巫士极

为严厉和残酷的捉拿和镇压，它造成了对中世纪各种民

俗信仰的压制和扼杀。在对巫士的描述中，一般把妇女

说成是巫士的主要信奉者。）

eccentricity 行为怪僻

solitude 离群索居

ordeal 神裁法（古时决定某人是否有罪的方法，令被告受身体考验。）

demon 恶魔，魔鬼

toad 蟾蜍，瘌蛤蟆

die out 逐渐消亡

prejudice 偏见，成见

hold...in awe 对...敬畏

from time immemorial 自远古以来