When did ancient Egyptians mourn their cats? - briefly
Ancient Egyptians began to mourn and bury their cats around the 7th century BCE. This practice was especially prevalent in the city of Bubastis during the Late Period of ancient Egypt.
When did ancient Egyptians mourn their cats? - in detail
The practice of mourning cats in Ancient Egypt was deeply intertwined with the cultural and religious beliefs of the time. Cats were revered not just as pets, but as sacred animals that symbolized grace, independence, and the power of the goddess Bastet. This divine connection meant that the death of a cat was a significant event that warranted a formal mourning process.
From the Early Dynastic Period (around 3100 BCE) to the Ptolemaic Period (323-30 BCE), cats held an elevated status in Egyptian society. When a household cat died, its owners would often go through a period of mourning similar to that observed for human family members. This involved rituals such as shaving the head and eyebrows as a sign of grief, a practice commonly seen in ancient Egypt when mourning any cherished or sacred being.
The death of a cat was also marked by elaborate burial rites. Cats were often mummified, just like humans, to ensure their safe journey into the afterlife. These mummifications could be quite intricate, involving wrappings and amulets that protected the cat's spirit. Sometimes, cats were even buried with their owners, further highlighting the deep bond between humans and these beloved animals.
Moreover, the mourning process often included the creation of memorials or stelae dedicated to the deceased cat. These stelae would typically depict the cat and include inscriptions that honored its life and celebrated its virtues. Such memorials were not just personal tributes but also served as public displays of respect for the animal and the divine qualities it represented.
The worship of Bastet, the cat-headed goddess associated with fertility, motherhood, and protection, further emphasized the sacred nature of cats in Ancient Egyptian culture. Temples dedicated to Bastet were centers of cat adoration and care, and the priests and priestesses who served there would often mourn the loss of a temple cat deeply.
In summary, the ancient Egyptians mourned their cats with great solemnity and respect throughout their history. The practice was not merely an expression of personal affection but also a reflection of the cats' divine status and the cultural significance they held in Egyptian society.