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International Cat Day (August 8th) is coming up 🐈—so for all you soon-to-be cat parents, let’s take a leaf out of our ancestors’ book. Their cat-adopting rituals were fancier than most modern weddings! 💒
Back in the Song Dynasty (960–1279), bringing a kitten home required five elaborate steps:
1️⃣ Choosing the Cat: A Matter of “Eye Chemistry”
First, you’d pick a kitten that “spoke to your soul.” It wasn’t just about looks—people believed a cat’s aura should align with theirs. Maybe a playful tabby for a lively household, or a calm white cat for a quiet home. The bond had to feel “meant to be.”
2️⃣ Picking the Perfect Day: Timing Is Everything
No random Tuesday for welcoming a feline family member! They’d consult almanacs to find an auspicious date—avoiding “bad luck” days (like those linked to storms or misfortune) and choosing one with “good qi” (energy). Think of it as a cosmic RSVP: “The universe says today’s a great day to get a cat.”
3️⃣ Giving “Betrothal Gifts”: Cat Adoption with Style
This wasn’t just a “thank you”—it was a formal “dowry” to honor the cat’s original owner. Common gifts included:
- Salt (a precious commodity back then, symbolizing prosperity)
- Sugar (for a sweet life together)
- Fresh fish (to “bribe” the cat into feeling welcome)
- Sometimes even silk or copper coins, depending on the family’s means.
It was a way of saying, “We’ll cherish this cat as one of our own.”
4️⃣ Escorting the Cat Home: A Grand Entrance
The kitten wasn’t just “taken”—it was “escorted” like royalty. Families might carry it in a soft basket lined with silk, or let it ride gently on a child’s lap. The journey home was quiet and joyful, with no loud noises to scare the new arrival. It set the tone: “This is a special member of our family, not just a pet.”
5️⃣ The “Wedding” Ritual: Sealing the Bond
Finally, a small ceremony to “officially” welcome the cat. Some lit incense, others said a little prayer: “May you bring luck to our home, chase away mice, and live happily with us.” It was a heartfelt moment, treating the cat as a partner in life, not just a mouser.
Let’s be real—ancient people knew how to make a cat feel loved. Their rituals weren’t just about tradition; they were about respect: recognizing that a cat isn’t just a “pet,” but a beloved member of the household.
So, on International Cat Day, ask yourself: Did you “welcome” your cat with that same care? Whether it’s a fancy ceremony or just a quiet evening of cuddles, the love is what counts.
After all, some things never change—then and now, cats rule our hearts. 🐾
