Why is Friday the 13th considered unlucky? Origin, history and superstitions

Despite its long-standing history, the fear surrounding Friday the 13th appears to be diminishing in contemporary society.

Friday the 13th has long been considered an unlucky day in Western culture, with many avoiding significant activities or events out of fear that misfortune may strike. The origins of this superstition are not entirely clear, but it is widely believed to be the result of the combination of two separate beliefs—both Fridays and the number 13 are considered unlucky in their own right. This superstition has been perpetuated through religious traditions, cultural myths, and even popular media.

The negative associations with Friday the 13th can be traced back to two distinct elements. Firstly, the number 13 has long been considered unlucky in Western cultures. Secondly, Friday, particularly in Christian tradition, has been viewed as a day of misfortune due to several biblical events associated with it.

One of the most significant connections between the number 13 and misfortune comes from Christianity, specifically the story of the Last Supper. At this famous event, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, was the 13th person at the table. The betrayal led to the crucifixion of Jesus, which occurred on a Friday. As Dr Phil Stevens, a retired anthropology professor, told USA Today, "So 13 is associated with that terrible event. And Friday, the 13th, you get a double whammy."

This religious connection is further reflected in many other biblical stories that tie Fridays to negative events. For instance, it is believed that both Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden on a Friday, and the Great Flood, which destroyed most of humanity, also took place on a Friday.

The superstition surrounding Friday the 13th does not only stem from Christian tradition. Charles Panati, in his book "Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things", discusses how the fear of the number 13 may have been influenced by Norse mythology. In one legend, the trickster god Loki crashed a dinner party at Valhalla, becoming the 13th guest. He manipulated events that led to the death of the beloved god Balder, spreading chaos and sorrow among the gods. This story is often cited as one of the early roots of the idea that 13 brings misfortune.

These superstitions around the number 13 grew over centuries, eventually evolving into what we now know as paraskevidekatriaphobia, a specific fear of Friday the 13th. This fear has been strengthened by portrayals in media, notably the 1980s horror franchise "Friday the 13th", which popularised the idea of the day being synonymous with fear and danger.

However, the superstition is not universal. In some cultures, like in Greece or Spanish-speaking countries, Tuesday the 13th is considered an unlucky day instead of Friday.

Despite its long-standing history, the fear surrounding Friday the 13th appears to be diminishing in contemporary society. Some figures, such as pop singer Taylor Swift, have even embraced the number 13, calling it her lucky number. Her performances early in her career often featured the number prominently, with Swift writing it on her hand during shows. This shift in perception could signal a change in how people view long-standing superstitions.

Dr Stevens has referred to these beliefs as a form of "magical thinking," where people see causal relationships between two otherwise unrelated things. In the case of Friday the 13th, this involves combining the belief in the misfortune of Fridays with that of the number 13 to create a day filled with bad luck. Yet, Stevens believes that as people increasingly embrace the number 13, the superstition will likely phase out in time.

Friday the 13th remains a day clouded by superstition, rooted in ancient religious beliefs and cultural myths. However, modern attitudes towards the day may be shifting, with many seeing it as just another date on the calendar. While fears persist for some, others are beginning to challenge and reframe these long-held superstitions.