As we lived through the last Friday the 13th of the year, I was wondering what aspects through history had an impact on this day being considered bad luck. It turned out more interesting and gruesome and illogical than I thought it would be. 

The superstition surrounding Friday the 13th as an unlucky day is a mix of historical, religious, and cultural influences. While the exact origin is unclear, it is believed to arise from the combination of two separate superstitions: the fear of the number 13 (triskaidekaphobia) and the belief that Friday is an unlucky day. Here’s a breakdown of the history:

The Number 13

1. Numerical Significance:

In many cultures, the number 12 is seen as a symbol of completeness (e.g., 12 months in a year, 12 zodiac signs, 12 apostles in Christianity). The number 13, by contrast, was viewed as irregular or unlucky.

Ancient myths often associated the number 13 with bad omens. For example, in Norse mythology, the god Loki (a trickster) was the 13th guest at a dinner in Valhalla, leading to chaos and death.

2. Christian Traditions:

The Last Supper had 13 attendees: Jesus and his 12 apostles. Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, was considered the 13th guest.

Jesus’ crucifixion is traditionally believed to have occurred on a Friday, further intertwining the two negative associations.

Friday as an Unlucky Day

1. Religious Context:

In Christianity, Friday was seen as an ill-fated day because of events like the crucifixion of Jesus.

In the Middle Ages, Fridays were considered unlucky for starting new ventures or journeys. It was also associated with public executions in some parts of Europe.

2. Cultural Beliefs:

Some maritime superstitions claimed it was bad luck to begin a voyage on a Friday.

Friday the 13th

1. Historical References:

The fear of Friday the 13th as a specific unlucky day is relatively modern. The earliest known reference in English appears in the 19th century, particularly in Henry Sutherland Edwards’ 1869 biography of composer Gioachino Rossini, who reportedly considered Friday and the number 13 unlucky.

The superstition gained broader attention in the early 20th century with the publication of Thomas W. Lawson’s novel Friday, the Thirteenth (1907), which told of a stockbroker exploiting the superstition to cause financial panic.

2. Knights Templar Legend:

A popular (though historically disputed) theory links Friday the 13th to the mass arrest of the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13, 1307, by King Philip IV of France. The Templars were accused of heresy and many were executed, cementing the day in myth as cursed.

Modern Popularity

Friday the 13th has been perpetuated in popular culture, especially through the horror genre. The Friday the 13th film franchise (debuting in 1980) reinforced the association of the day with fear and misfortune.

Today, the superstition persists in various forms. Many people avoid significant activities on this day, and some buildings skip labeling a 13th floor. 

Cultural Variations

Not all cultures see Friday the 13th as unlucky. For example:

In Italy, the unlucky day is Friday the 17th.

In Hispanic and Greek cultures, Tuesday the 13th is considered unlucky.

While the superstition has no scientific basis, its enduring presence reflects the human tendency to seek patterns and explanations for misfortune.