Abstract

This essay explores the multifaceted and intriguing relationship between cats and humans in various cultures. Despite their current popularity in the online realm due to their adorable traits, it is crucial to acknowledge that the perceptions and associations of cats have evolved significantly throughout history and differ across societies. The essay highlights the diverse attitudes towards cats in South Korea, Mongolia, China, and Japan as examples. It also discusses the origins and symbolisms of Maneki Neko, the fortune cat, to better understand the bigger cultural ideals that it entails. Cats have been regarded as symbols of both luck and misfortune, transitioning from working animals to cherished companions in many societies. It is important to understand the cultural context when examining the relationship between humans and cats, and cats serve as a lens through which we gain insights into East Asian cultures and histories.

Keywords: East Asian Studies, Japan, China, Korea, Cats, Symbolism

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