Throughout ancient and modern history, the cow has often been associated with motherhood.
For many, they see cows as representing Mother Earth because they provide us with milk, food, fertilizer, and other goods.
In ancient Egypt, the cow was the sacred mother of the Sun. Goddess Hathor, a goddess of fertility, rebirth, and wealth, is often depicted with a cow’s head or ears on a human form.
In Sumerian culture, the cow was associated with the moon and the horn of plenty.
The cow retains much of this ancient symbology and agricultural importance in modern-day India and throughout the world.
Death Foretold
While cows have long been associated with life, they are occasionally tied to death.
For example, according to one superstition, if a cow licks another cow’s forehead, the owner will soon die.
A cow breaking into the garden was also a sign of a coming death.
Birth of Black Cow
There are also numerous superstitions attached to the birth of a black cow. In some places, mostly in Europe, the birth of a black cow foretells death.
However, in parts of India, the birth of a black cow brings good luck and great fortune.
Restless
Among farmers of old, cows that became restless without a known cause was a sign of coming misfortune. Until the source of the cows’ uneasiness could be identified, the farmer would worry about bad news.
Rain Predictors
Cows that go out in the morning and lie down foretell rain.
When I lived in the country as a teenager, I often heard this superstition from the local kids.
Talking to Horses
In Germany it was believed that cows and horses were able to talk to each other on New Year’s Day.
Red Thread for Protection
In Scotland, a red thread tied around a cow’s tail would keep it safe and protected from harm.
Bull Moo
In Transylvania, if a bull looks at you and bellows, it is a sign of good luck.
Sources:
1. The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols. Jean Chevalier and Alain Gheerbrant. Translated by John Buchanan-Brown.
2. Encyclopaedia of Superstitions – A History of Superstition. Radford. 1947.
3. Encyclopaedia of Superstitions, Folklore, and the Occult Sciences of the World. Volume II. Cora Linn Daniels.
4. The Encyclopedia of Superstitions. Richard Webster. 2012.
