Friday the 13th: Origins, History and Myths of the Unlucky Day

Friday the 13th: Origins, History, and Superstitions Behind the Unlucky Day

📅 Friday, November 13, 2015, marks the third Friday the 13th of the year, following those in February and March. While some see it as just another day, others suffer from paraskevidekatriaphobia or friggatriskaidekaphobia—the fear of Friday the 13th. This superstition is so widespread that it’s estimated to cause over $800 million in economic losses annually, as many people avoid flying, cancel business deals, or alter their daily routines due to the fear of bad luck.

But where did this belief originate? And why is Friday the 13th still seen as a day of misfortune, horror, and superstition in modern times?

---

The History of Friday the 13th Superstition

Although Friday and the number 13 have long been associated with bad luck separately, their connection as a singular day of misfortune was not documented until the 19th century, primarily in American and British folklore. However, many cultures throughout history have considered both Fridays and the number 13 unlucky, fueling the superstition over time.

Religious and Historical Influences on Friday the 13th

✝️ Christianity & The Last Supper – One of the most cited origins ties back to Judas Iscariot, the 13th guest at Jesus' Last Supper, who later betrayed him. Additionally, Jesus was crucified on a Friday, further solidifying the idea that Friday and the number 13 together symbolize bad luck.

📖 Medieval Literature & Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales – The 14th-century writings of Geoffrey Chaucer also reference Friday as a day of misfortune, warning against starting journeys or new ventures on this day.

⚔️ Knights Templar & Friday the 13th, 1307 – A well-known theory suggests that the mass arrest of the Knights Templar, ordered by King Philip IV of France, occurred on Friday, October 13, 1307. The violent persecution of the Templars is believed to have contributed to the fear surrounding the date.

🕉️ Ancient Egyptian & Norse Mythology – The Ancient Egyptians saw 13 as a sacred number representing the final stage of spiritual ascension, rather than bad luck. Meanwhile, Norse mythology tells of a 13th uninvited guest, Loki, bringing chaos to Valhalla, leading to the death of Balder the Good, reinforcing the ill-fated symbolism of 13 guests at a gathering.

---

Global Superstitions About Unlucky Days

🌎 Friday the 13th is NOT universal! While Western cultures fear Friday the 13th, other countries have their own unlucky days:

• Spanish & Greek Traditions – Tuesday the 13th is considered unlucky instead of Friday.
• Italian Superstition – Friday the 17th is feared more than the 13th.
• Asian Tetraphobia – Many East and Southeast Asian cultures fear the number 4 more than 13 due to its phonetic similarity to the word for death.

---

Modern Impact of Friday the 13th Superstitions

Even today, Friday the 13th affects business, pop culture, and even architecture:

🏨 No 13th Floor – Many hotels, office buildings, and apartment complexes skip labeling a 13th floor due to superstition.
⚰️ Gallows & Execution – Historically, there were 13 steps leading to the gallows, adding to the ominous nature of the number.
🧙 Witchcraft & Folklore – A traditional coven is said to be made up of 13 witches, reinforcing its mystical associations.
🎬 Friday the 13th in Pop Culture – The 1980 horror film "Friday the 13th" immortalized the superstition in cinema, making Jason Voorhees a slasher movie icon.
🚀 Apollo 13 – NASA’s Unlucky Mission? – The only failed moon landing mission, Apollo 13, was marred by an explosion that forced the crew to abort their lunar mission, reinforcing the superstition in modern times.

---

Common Myths & Superstitions About Friday the 13th

🔪 If you cut your hair on Friday the 13th, someone in your family will die.
⚰️ Seeing a funeral procession means you’ll be the next to die.
✈️ Starting a trip on Friday the 13th leads to misfortune.
🍼 A child born on Friday the 13th will be unlucky for life.
⛵ Ships that set sail on a Friday are doomed to bad luck. (Better rethink that cruise!)

---

Should You Be Worried About Friday the 13th?

While scientific evidence does not support any actual danger on Friday the 13th, millions of people still feel uneasy about it. Whether rooted in religious beliefs, historical events, or Hollywood horror, the superstition remains one of the most well-known in the world.

So, whether you choose to avoid traveling, postpone major decisions, or lean into the spooky vibes of the day, just remember—luck is what you make of it!

🚀 For more fascinating superstitions, myths, and eerie historical facts, be sure to check out our other articles on paranormal phenomena and urban legends!