Beware—another Friday the 13th has arrived, and it coincides with Taylor Swift’s birthday this year on December 13. While normally a time for festive celebrations, this day is often regarded as unlucky due to various superstitions and historical events linked to it.
So, what makes Friday the 13th considered such an ominous day? The roots of this superstition can be traced back to multiple sources, though its exact origins remain uncertain. Some believe it began with the late 19th-century secret society called the Thirteen Club, while others suggest it was popularized by the early 20th-century novel “Friday, the Thirteenth” and the renowned horror film franchise of the same name.
The number 13 has historically been viewed with apprehension, especially compared to the more “complete” number 12, which represents wholeness in various contexts, such as the 12 months of the year or the 12 days of Christmas. One early mention of the unlucky 13 may stem from the Code of Hammurabi, a Babylonian legal text, which notably excluded a 13th law from its legal codes.
For Christians, the superstition surrounding the number 13 is often linked to the Last Supper, where Judas Iscariot, the 13th guest, betrayed Jesus.
On this day, people often avoid certain actions believed to bring bad luck, such as walking under ladders, encountering black cats, opening umbrellas indoors, or breaking mirrors. Today might be the perfect opportunity to test just how much power these superstitions hold over you.
Fans of horror films can enjoy the iconic “Friday the 13th” series, which began in 1980 and has since generated over $380 million at the box office worldwide. The full list of movies includes titles like “Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter” and “Freddy vs. Jason.”
Whether you experience triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number 13, or paraskavedekatriaphobia, the fear of Friday the 13th, remember that these superstitions are just that—superstitions. Embrace the day with a bit of humor and perhaps enjoy a horror movie marathon to celebrate the peculiar charm of this date.
In a hopeful note, Friday the 13th can also be seen as an opportunity to defy fear and do something unexpected. Who knows? It might just turn out to be a lucky day after all!