Friday and the number 13

When and how Friday and the number 13 became linked is uncertain, though  Fridays and the number 13 seperatly have their own history and myths, there does not seem to be mention of a Friday the 13th before the 19th century.

One of the most pervasive myths is that if 13 people share a meal together, one will soon die. This can be attributed to the Christian Last Supper and a popular Norse myth,

The Thirteen Club (formed by William Fowler) met on September 13th, 1881 and actively mocked many established ‘superstitions’. The group of 13 would meet on the 13th of each month and sit 13 to a table and break of mirrors, spill salt, and walk under ladders, among other activities.

Friday the the number 13 were further linked by Hollywood in 1980 the release of the movie Friday the 13th, where Jason slashes his way across a summer camp for revenge.

Whether there is merit to the myths and superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th will remain a mystery with anecdotal evidence.

It seems as if the unexplained fears surrounding the number 13 are a Western construct. Some cultures, including the Ancient Egyptians, actually considered the number lucky. More than 80% of the office buildings and hotels in the United States do not have a 13th floor, The vast majority of hotels, hospitals and airports also avoid using the number to designate rooms and gates.