Aître Saint-Maclou

At the cemetery of Saint-Maclou in Rouen, walled-up cats were found. Walled-up cats have also been found in other places in Europe. In many cases, there are clear indications that dead cats were intentionally walled up in a wall cavity or placed under a door threshold to ward off evil. Sometimes they were even still alive. This animal sacrifice is thought to have roots in pagan customs. From the Middle Ages onward, cats were associated with magic, superstition, the devil, witches, and the underworld... This practice, which became widespread in Europe from the Middle Ages, likely originated from pre-medieval building sacrifices. Although the pagan significance was later lost, walled-up cats were still seen as bringers of luck as late as the 19th century, stemming from a traditional superstition.

This custom was also found in other places:

-in the Predikherenklooster in Mechelen

-in the castle of Combourg near Saint-Malo, a cat mummy is on display

-in Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland

-in Schloss Laubegg in Austria

-in the pub Three Stags' Heads in Wardlow Mires, England

-in the pub The Stag Inn in Hastings too

-in the crypt of the Saint Nicholas Church in Wiuwert, Friesland

Pascal Brackman