55+ Cultural Pet Traditions Quotes: Animals in Global Customs
Do you know that when a cherished cat died in ancient Egypt, the family would often shave off their eyebrows in a sign of mourning? Through history and across cultures, pets have played significant roles in our traditions, beliefs, and daily lives. From the sauntering cats of Egypt to the pooches pampered in Paris, our animal companions have shaped and been shaped by the cultures they’ve come to inhabit. These varied traditions greatly reflect our deep-rooted connections with animals and offer fascinating insights into various societies around the world. To further celebrate this rich tapestry of human-animal relationships, we have compiled a list of 65 quotes that bring out various cultural pet traditions throughout the globe. The quotes range from ancient wisdom through modern observations to everything in between, offering in every respect a unique view of how different cultures consider and treat their animal companions.
- “In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this.” – Terry Pratchett
- “To the Egyptians, the cat was the incarnation of the goddess Bast, and to kill a cat was to risk death.” – Fernand Mery
- “In Japan, cats are thought to have the power to turn into super spirits when they die. This may be because cats are able to walk without making a sound.” – Unknown
- “The dog is man’s best friend. He has a tail on one end. Up in front he has teeth. And four legs underneath.” – Ogden Nash
- “In Native American traditions, the dog is often seen as a spiritual guide and protector.” – Unknown
These opening quotes set the tone for the diverse cultural perspectives on pets, from ancient Egyptian reverence for cats to the spiritual significance of dogs in Native American traditions.
- “In China, crickets were kept as pets for their songs and for good luck.” – Unknown
- “The ancient Greeks believed that dogs could see the truth of a person’s character.” – Unknown
- “In Norse mythology, cats were associated with Freyja, the goddess of love and fertility.” – Unknown
- “The Mayans believed that dogs would guide human souls through the underworld.” – Unknown
- “In many parts of the Middle East, the saluki has been prized as a hunting dog for thousands of years.” – Unknown
These quotes highlight the diverse roles pets have played in different mythologies and belief systems around the world.
- “In Victorian England, wealthy women often carried small dogs as fashion accessories and for warmth.” – Unknown
- “The Maneki-neko, or beckoning cat, is a common Japanese figurine believed to bring good luck to the owner.” – Unknown
- “In ancient Rome, lap dogs were often buried with their owners.” – Unknown
- “The Aztecs believed that a yellow dog would guide the dead across a dangerous river in the afterlife.” – Unknown
- “In many African cultures, dogs are seen as protectors against evil spirits.” – Unknown
These quotes illustrate how pets have been integrated into various cultural beliefs about the afterlife and spiritual protection.
- “In India, cows are considered sacred and are often treated as part of the family.” – Unknown
- “The Chinese believe that dogs come into a person’s life to bring them a lesson.” – Unknown
- “In ancient Persia, dogs were believed to have special spiritual significance and were often buried with elaborate ceremony.” – Unknown
- “The Inuit people have a long tradition of using sled dogs not just for transportation, but as part of their cultural identity.” – Unknown
- “In Thailand, it’s believed that a cat at a funeral can help guide the soul of the deceased to the afterlife.” – Unknown
These quotes showcase how pets are deeply intertwined with cultural identities and spiritual beliefs across different societies.
- “In Celtic mythology, cats were believed to be guardians of the Otherworld.” – Unknown
- “The ancient Egyptians would mummify cats and mice to provide food for the cats in the afterlife.” – Unknown
- “In some Native American cultures, it’s believed that dogs can see spirits that are invisible to humans.” – Unknown
- “The Japanese Bobtail cat is considered a symbol of good luck in Japan.” – Unknown
- “In ancient Greece, dogs were often associated with Hecate, the goddess of magic and crossroads.” – Unknown
These quotes further illustrate the spiritual and mythological roles pets have played in various cultures throughout history.
- “In Viking culture, cats were associated with Freya, the goddess of love, and were believed to pull her chariot.” – Unknown
- “The Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican Hairless dog, was believed by the Aztecs to guide the dead through the underworld.” – Unknown
- “In many parts of Asia, it’s considered good luck for a cat to enter a new home or business.” – Unknown
- “The ancient Egyptians believed that cats could see in the dark because their eyes contained the light of the sun.” – Unknown
- “In some African cultures, it’s believed that a dog can sense when death is near and will howl to warn the family.” – Unknown
These quotes highlight the various spiritual and superstitious beliefs associated with pets in different cultures.
- “In Russia, there’s a tradition of letting a cat enter a new home first for good luck.” – Unknown
- “The Maori people of New Zealand have a tradition of using dogs in important ceremonies and rituals.” – Unknown
- “In ancient China, Pekingese dogs were believed to ward off evil spirits.” – Unknown
- “The Turkish Van cat is sometimes called the ‘swimming cat’ due to its unusual love of water, which is part of its cultural lore.” – Unknown
- “In some parts of India, it’s believed that feeding stray dogs brings good karma.” – Unknown
These quotes showcase how pets are integrated into cultural superstitions and everyday practices around the world.
- “In ancient Egypt, the penalty for killing a cat, even accidentally, was death.” – Unknown
- “The Samoyed dog, bred by the Samoyede people of Siberia, was not just a working dog but also a member of the family, often sleeping in the tent for warmth.” – Unknown
- “In Japan, there’s a belief that tortoiseshell cats can ward off evil spirits.” – Unknown
- “The Basenji, known as the ‘barkless dog’, has been a valued hunting companion in Central Africa for thousands of years.” – Unknown
- “In Norse mythology, Odin was often depicted with two wolves, Geri and Freki, at his side.” – Unknown
These quotes illustrate the diverse roles pets have played in different cultures, from spiritual protectors to valued working companions.
- “In some Native American cultures, it’s believed that dogs can see the wind.” – Unknown
- “The term ‘cat burglar’ comes from the French tradition of using cats as good luck charms for thieves.” – Unknown
- “In ancient Persia, dogs were so respected that killing one was considered a crime punishable by death.” – Unknown
- “The Chow Chow, with its blue-black tongue, was believed in ancient China to have licked up drops of color when the sky was painted.” – Unknown
- “In some parts of England, it’s considered good luck for a black cat to cross your path, contrary to the superstition in many other countries.” – Unknown
These quotes highlight the sometimes contradictory beliefs about pets in different cultures, showing how the same animal can be viewed differently across the world.
- “In Welsh folklore, corgis were believed to be the preferred mount of fairy warriors.” – Unknown
- “The Japanese Chin was so revered in ancient Japan that it could only be owned by members of the Imperial family.” – Unknown
- “In ancient Egypt, the god Anubis, who guided souls to the afterlife, was depicted with the head of a jackal or wild dog.” – Unknown
- “The Manx cat, with its distinctive lack of tail, is surrounded by many myths on the Isle of Man, including that it lost its tail when boarding Noah’s Ark.” – Unknown
- “In some parts of Germany, it’s believed that if a cat washes behind its ears, it will rain.” – Unknown
These quotes showcase how pets have been integrated into local folklore and myths across different cultures.
- “The Shih Tzu was bred to resemble lions as depicted in traditional Chinese art.” – Unknown
- “In Scotland, a black cat arriving at your home is believed to bring prosperity.” – Unknown
- “The Birman cat, also known as the ‘Sacred Cat of Burma’, is the subject of a beautiful legend involving Buddhist monks.” – Unknown
- “In some Native American traditions, butterflies were believed to be able to carry wishes to the Great Spirit.” – Unknown
- “The Akita, a Japanese breed, is often given to new parents in Japan as a symbol of health, happiness, and long life.” – Unknown
These quotes illustrate how pets have been bred and revered for their symbolic meanings in various cultures.
- “In ancient Rome, geese were considered sacred to Juno and were kept on the Capitoline Hill as sentinels.” – Unknown
- “The Siamese cat was believed in Thailand to receive the souls of royal persons after death.” – Unknown
- “In Celtic mythology, dogs were associated with the hunt and the Otherworld.” – Unknown
- “The Lhasa Apso, bred in Tibet, was believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to its owner.” – Unknown
- “In some parts of India, it’s believed that feeding crows can bring blessings from ancestors.” – Unknown
These quotes further demonstrate the spiritual and superstitious roles that various animals, not just traditional pets, have played in different cultures.
- “The Finnish Spitz, known as the ‘Barking Bird Dog’, has been an integral part of Finnish hunting culture for centuries.” – Unknown
- “In ancient Egypt, ibises were mummified as offerings to the god Thoth.” – Unknown
- “The Shar Pei, with its distinctive wrinkled skin, was believed in ancient China to ward off evil spirits.” – Unknown
- “In some Native American cultures, it’s believed that dogs with different colored eyes can see both the physical and spirit worlds.” – Unknown
- “The rabbit is seen as a symbol of luck in many cultures, but in some parts of Europe, it’s considered unlucky for a rabbit to cross your path.” – Unknown
These final quotes remind us of the rich diversity of cultural beliefs surrounding animals, extending beyond just cats and dogs to include a wide variety of creatures.
As we contemplate these quotes about cultural pet traditions, it becomes clear that as varied as human cultures are, so too are our relations with animals-from ancient Egypt to modern Japan, pets play an integral role in spiritual beliefs, daily practices, and cultural identities.
These quotes bring out not only the difference in the various cultures’ view and treatment of animals but also the uniform human tendency to relate deeply and meaningfully with our animal companions. They remind us that pets are much more than animals-they are carriers of our cultural heritage, signs of our beliefs, and reflections of our values.
Whether one is a pet owner or an animal lover or even a student of cultural diversity, these traditions hold so much wisdom regarding humankind and animals. They encourage us to appreciate the full tapestry of global pet customs and maybe even invent our own meaningful traditions with our animal companions. After all, as these quotes bring out, our relations with pets are not a strictly personal matter but an integral part of our cultural fabric.
