Friday The 13th Superstitions: Everything To Know
Friday the 13th is a date that has long been associated with superstition and fear. Let’s dive into the history, origins, and various beliefs that make Friday the 13th such an infamous day.
The Origins of Friday the 13th Superstitions
The superstition surrounding Friday the 13th has unclear origins, but several theories attempt to explain its unlucky reputation:
- Biblical References: One theory links the superstition to the Biblical Last Supper, where Judas Iscariot, the 13th guest, betrayed Jesus. Another belief claims Cain killed his brother Abel on Friday the 13t.
- Knights Templar: King Philip IV of France ordered the arrest of hundreds of Knights Templar on Friday, October 13, 1307, leading to their execution. Many cite this event as a historical reason for the day’s unlucky reputation.
- Numerological Significance: Various cultures consider the number 12 “complete” (e.g., 12 months in a year, 12 apostles, 12 tribes of Israel). In contrast, people view the number 13 as irregular and incomplete, contributing to its negative connotation.
Notable Events on Friday the 13th
Several significant and tragic events have occurred on Friday the 13th, further reinforcing its reputation as an unlucky day:
- Buckingham Palace Bombing: On Friday, September 13, 1940, German bombers attacked Buckingham Palace during World War II.
- Kitty Genovese Murder: On Friday, March 13, 1964, an attacker murdered Kitty Genovese in Queens, New York. This event sparked extensive study of the “bystander effect.”
- Tupac Shakur’s Death: An unknown assailant shot and killed the famous rapper Tupac Shakur on Friday, September 13, 1996.
- Costa Concordia Disaster: On Friday, January 13, 2012, the Costa Concordia cruise ship crashed off the coast of Italy, resulting in 32 deaths.
Common Superstitions
- Avoiding Travel: Many people actively avoid traveling on this day, fearing accidents or mishaps.
- Skipping Important Events: Some individuals deliberately postpone significant events like weddings or business meetings, hoping to sidestep bad luck.
- Tattoo Flash Sales: Interestingly, many tattoo shops capitalize on the day’s notoriety by offering special deals on Friday the 13t, transforming it into an opportunity for themed tattoos.
Phobias Related to Friday the 13th
The fear of Friday the 13th is so prevalent that it has its own phobia names:
- Triskaidekaphobia: Fear of the number 13.
- Paraskevidekatriaphobia: Fear of Friday the 13t.
Whether you believe in the superstitions or not, Friday the 13th continues to be a day that captures the imagination and evokes a sense of caution.
