inspired by @XiranJayZhao's thread about some ancient cat poetry written by the poet Lu You, I looked into the representation of cats in Chinese history
Found these images of Yuan dynasty "cat certificates" 貓兒契式 that were used when cats were traded
guavanthropology.tw/article/6480
Found these images of Yuan dynasty "cat certificates" 貓兒契式 that were used when cats were traded
guavanthropology.tw/article/6480
getting a cat was a ceremonial occasion, and you had to choose an auspicious day, give a gift to the cat, and sign the certificate.
To make sure the cat lives peacefully with the family, you have to take the cat to bow to the Stove God 灶王爷 axtoutiao.com/v881950
To make sure the cat lives peacefully with the family, you have to take the cat to bow to the Stove God 灶王爷 axtoutiao.com/v881950
The certificates above mention the names of Lord Donghua 东华帝君 and the Queen Mother of the Western Skies 西王母, who serve as witnesses to these ceremonies. They were supposed to protect the cats from going astray. :)
