What does a black cat symbolize in France? A familiar figure in French folklore, the black cat traditionally appeared to punish rebellious children, or occasionally as a séducteur. In Montmartre, the black cat was commonly recognized as a symbol of artistic freedom; thus the name of the establishment, chosen by owner Rodolphe Salis. Le Chat Noir (French pronunciation: [l? ?a nwa?]; French for "The Black Cat") was a 19th century entertainment establishment in the bohemian Montmartre district of Paris.
A matagot or mandagot is, in the oral traditions of French folklore, a spirit in the form of an animal, frequently a black cat, though rat, fox, dog, or cow types are also said to exist. Matagots are generally evil, but some may prove helpful, like the "magician cat" said to bring wealth into a home if it is well fed.
What makes Le Chat Noir so special is the attitude of everyone associated with it.
Call it a spirit of creative rebelliousness. A desire to celebrate the free spirits and upset the established order. A spirit expressed through poems and plays, through songs and performances of all kinds given at the cabaret, a spirit celebrated in paintings, drawings and lithographs, by artists such as Steinlen.
The Chat Noir attitude is loud, fun, rowdy and rude, and it takes no form of power or authority seriously. In fact, it takes nothing seriously, except art and its own rebelliousness. In other words, it is very French, and that’s why the black cat poster has such pride of place in every souvenir shop in Paris.
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