Beware, as Friday the 13th has arrived! This year, December 13 coincides with Taylor Swift’s birthday, adding an intriguing twist to the festive month, giving it a spooky flair. Friday the 13th is steeped in superstition and is commonly thought to bring bad luck, with various historical events contributing to this perception.
So, what exactly is Friday the 13th, and why is it viewed as unlucky?
Interestingly, this isn’t the first occurrence of Friday the 13th in 2023, as there were also two earlier instances this year: one in September and the current one in December.
The superstition surrounding Friday the 13th has various roots, though its origins remain uncertain. The 19th-century Thirteen Club, an early 20th-century novel titled “Friday, the Thirteenth,” and the popular horror film series all play a role in shaping this belief. The number 12 often symbolizes completeness, reflecting themes like the “12 days of Christmas” or the 12 months of the year, while 13 is widely regarded as unlucky due to historical connotations.
One early belief can be traced back to the Code of Hammurabi, a Babylonian legal code that notably excluded a 13th law, thereby contributing to the notion of Friday the 13th as ominous. Furthermore, in Christian tradition, the number 13 received a negative connotation due to the presence of Judas Iscariot, who was the 13th guest at The Last Supper.
As yet another Friday the 13th unfolds, enthusiasts of superstitions might be wary of actions believed to invite bad luck—such as walking under a ladder, encountering a black cat, opening an umbrella indoors, or breaking a mirror. If any of these events occur on this day, it could serve as a playful challenge to test the potency of Friday the 13th’s lore.
On a more entertaining note, the “Friday the 13th” movie franchise has captivated audiences since its debut in 1980, raking in over $380 million globally at the box office. For avid fans, the series includes numerous installments, showcasing the thrilling antics of the iconic character Jason Voorhees.
For those who may be apprehensive about the number 13, there are terms like triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13) and paraskavedekatriaphobia (fear of Friday the 13th). While superstitions can be daunting, they also invite a sense of intrigue and community through shared experiences of fear and humor.
Ultimately, while Friday the 13th carries a reputation for misfortune, it also presents an opportunity for fun and folklore. Embrace the day with confidence, and who knows? You might just flip the superstition on its head!