
13/04/2025
The legend of the tortoiseshell cat.
Legend says that many centuries ago, the Sun begged the Moon to cover him for a while so that he could have the chance to leave the heavens and wander freely around Earth. The Sun no longer wanted to be the center of the universe and wanted to be able to go unnoticed among all the living creatures.
The Sun insisted so much that on a bright June morning, the Moon slowly started moving towards him until she covered its light. The movement was slow so that the creatures below wouldn't be surprised by the sudden darkness.
As soon as the Sun could step down from its place, it headed towards Earth. To avoid calling attention to itself, the Sun took the body of the fastest and most discreet creature around a black cat.
The Moon quickly grew tired of covering for the Sun and, without warning, started to recede. The Sun noticed this and in its haste to return to its place left behind thousands of rays in its mortal host.
To this day, the cats we call tortoiseshell are the descendants of that black cat that long ago hosted the sun during its visit to Earth. Today, we can still see hints of the sun in the patches of red, yellow, and orange that cover their coats. The split face on some of these cats is further evidence of their dual nature; half cat, half heavenly star.
Some folks say that their solar origin grants these special cats' magical properties, and they are said to bring good luck and attract positive energy. Also, these cats are very loved and appreciated in Oriental countries; it's common knowledge that whoever possesses one should cherish and treasure her.