In Western superstition, Friday the 13th is commonly considered an unlucky day. This belief arises when the 13th day of a month falls on a Friday in the Gregorian calendar. Typically, happens at least once a year, but it can happen up to three times in some years.
For example 2015, Friday the 13th occurred three times, specifically in February, March, and November. A similar pattern will occur again in 2026.
Additionally, any month that begins on a Sunday will always contain a Friday the 13th, and every calendar year includes at least one Friday the 13th.
For sceptics, this may be the subject of jokes, but for believers, navigating carefully is the guideline they adhere to daily.
Phobia Terminology:
Two terms describe the fear of the supposedly unlucky day, Friday the 13th: paraskavedekatriaphobia and friggatriskaidekaphobia.
Additionally, the fear of the number 13 has its psychological term: triskaidekaphobia.
History: Unluckiness of 13
Western cultures have historically linked the number 12 with a sense of completeness. For instance, we have 12 days of Christmas, 12 months a year, 12 zodiac signs, 12 labours of Hercules, 12 gods of Olympus, and 12 tribes of Israel. In contrast, the number 13 has a long-standing reputation as a symbol of bad luck.
The fear stems from occurrences like the Last Supper, Norse legends involving Loki, and the Knights Templar’s arrest.
- In Charles Panati’s book, *Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things*, he explores the unlucky reputation of the number 13, which stems from a Norse myth. According to this myth, twelve gods gathered for a dinner party in Valhalla. The trickster god Loki was not invited but arrived as the thirteenth guest. In a malicious act, he conspired with Höðr, the god of darkness, to kill Balder, the god of joy and gladness, by having him shot with a mistletoe-tipped arrow. Balder’s death triggered immense suffering in the world, leading to the belief that the number 13 is unlucky.
- The belief that the number 13 is unlucky is often linked to the Last Supper, a pivotal event on Maundy Thursday. Judas Iscariot, the 13th guest to join this gathering, was the disciple known for betraying Jesus.
In the Gospel of John, during the Last Supper, Jesus revealed to his disciples that one of them would turn against him. When they inquired about the traitor’s identity, Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” He then dipped a piece of bread and handed it to Judas, who is referred to as the “son of Simon Iscariot.” After Judas received the bread, the text notes that “Satan entered into him” (John 13:21-27). Judas subsequently approached the Temple priests, the religious leaders of that time, and agreed to betray Jesus in exchange for 30 pieces of silver, as outlined in the Gospel of Matthew.
- Many believe that the superstition of Friday the 13th began with the arrest of the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13, 1307, by officers of King Philip IV of France.
Although the negative associations with Friday are less pronounced, some suggest they may have origins in Christian tradition. It is believed that Friday is the day Jesus was crucified and the day Eve gave Adam the fateful apple from the Tree of Knowledge. Additionally, it is noted that Cain killed his brother Abel on a Friday.
Friday the 13th is an American horror franchise with twelve slasher films, a television series, novels, comic books, video games, and merchandise. The franchise began in 1980 and has established a lasting legacy, with its blend of paranoia and thrills still resonating with audiences today.
Embracing the positive aspects of 13:
Taylor Swift is closely associated with the number 13.
During a 2009 interview with Jay Leno, she remarked, “I was born on the 13th, turned 13 on Friday the 13th, and my first album went gold in 13 weeks. My first No. 1 song had a 13-second intro. Whenever I win an award, I’m often seated in the 13th position or row M, the 13th letter. For me, 13 is a good omen.”
Atal Bihari Vajpayee & 13 :
Atal Bihari Vajpayee shares a notable connection with the number 13. He first held the position of Prime Minister of India for just 13 days in 1996. His second term spanned 13 months, from 1998 to 1999. Additionally, he was sworn in as Prime Minister for the third time on October 13, 1999.
Economic Impact :
Reports suggest that the fear associated with Friday the 13th results in businesses losing approximately $900 million each time this date occurs. This loss is mainly attributed to people avoiding travel, scheduling important events, or even going to work.
Additional Examples of Negative Superstitions:
Negative superstitions are common beliefs that certain actions or days can bring bad luck. For example, many believe walking under a ladder, crossing paths with a black cat, or breaking a mirror will lead to misfortune. Specifically, in many cultures, Friday the 13th is considered unlucky.
In Spain, however, people regard Tuesday the 13th as more dangerous. Similarly, Italians fear the 17th due to its association with the Roman numeral XVII, which can be rearranged to spell “VIXI”, a Latin term meaning “my life is over.”
While this fear causes significant disruptions, it’s important to note that superstitions surrounding this date vary across cultures and often have historical roots.
For sceptics, this may be the subject of jokes, but for believers, navigating carefully is the guideline they adhere to daily.
