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For Good Luck by William Heath Robinson
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For Good Luck by William Heath Robinson
Training black cats to enter the front door at the stroke of twelve on New Years Eve. A contraption to encourage a New Year tradition imagined by the cartoonist William Heath Robinson. Date: 1919
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Media ID 14172618
© Courtesy of the estate of Mrs J.C.Robinson/Pollinger Ltd/ILN/Mary Evans Picture Library
Amusing Cats Chimney Good Heath Luck Lucky Midnight Robinson Silly Superstition Superstitions Sweep Years Year
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William Heath Robinson's whimsical illustration, titled "For Good Luck," captures the spirit of New Year's Eve traditions and the belief in the power of superstitions. In this amusing image, we see a contraption designed to train black cats to enter a front door at the stroke of twelve. The cats, dressed in tiny hats and coats, are perched on a makeshift platform next to a chimney, where a chimney sweep waits with a broom. This quirky setup is a nod to the age-old belief that having a black cat cross your path on New Year's Eve brings good luck and fortune in the coming year. The history of this tradition dates back to ancient civilizations, where cats were revered for their agility, grace, and ability to ward off evil spirits. Over the centuries, this superstition has persisted, with various interpretations and adaptations. In some cultures, it is believed that the color of the cat matters, with black being the most auspicious. Heath Robinson's cartoon is a testament to the enduring power of folklore and the human tendency to find humor in the absurd. His intricate and detailed illustrations were known for their silly and humorous take on everyday life, making them a popular choice for magazines and advertisements in the early 20th century. This particular image, created in 1919, remains a delightful reminder of the quirks and superstitions that have shaped our cultural traditions over the years.
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