In ancient times to grieve the death of their cats egyptians used to shave off their eyebrows

In ancient times, to grieve the death of their cats, Egyptians used to shave off their eyebrows.

When we think about the ancient Egyptians, various fascinating aspects come to mind - their majestic pyramids, enigmatic hieroglyphs, and well-preserved mummies. However, one lesser-known fact is that the ancient Egyptians held cats in high regard and mourned their loss in a unique way - by shaving off their eyebrows.

Cats were highly revered in ancient Egypt and held a special place in their society. They were considered the embodiment of the goddess Bastet, who symbolized fertility, protection, and home. Egyptian households often had domesticated cats as adored pets and valuable hunting companions. These feline companions were spoiled with extravagant care, adorned with luxurious jewelry, and even given elaborate burials after death.

The act of shaving off eyebrows had a significant symbolic meaning within Egyptian mourning customs. Grieving the loss of a beloved cat was not just an act of sorrow but also a recognition of the cat’s esteemed position in the household and their devotion to the goddess Bastet. Egyptians believed that by shaving their eyebrows, they were publicly displaying their grief and paying homage to their feline companion.

Shaving off their eyebrows wasn’t limited to mourning the loss of cats alone but was also an expression of mourning for human family members. Egyptians mourned their loved ones by shaving their eyebrows as a sign of respect and loss. This mourning ritual was an essential part of their cultural practices, allowing individuals to openly express their grief and honor their departed loved ones.

Ancient Egyptians believed that through these mourning rituals, they could effectively communicate with the gods and ensure the safe passage of the deceased to the afterlife. They believed that by publicly displaying their sadness, the gods would be more likely to intervene positively in ensuring the deceased’s journey to the afterlife.

Although shaving off eyebrows may seem like an unusual way to mourn the loss of a cat or a family member, it held great significance in the ancient Egyptian culture. It was a profound display of grief, reverence, and devotion to the felines they held dear as well as their departed loved ones.

Note: Above information is based on historical and cultural beliefs and practices in ancient Egypt.

Source: 10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Ancient Egypt

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