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In several Western countries, the 13th day on Fridays is considered a sign of bad luck and misfortune.
Several films have been created on the superstition. (Representative Image)
Among the many Western superstitions, few are as deeply rooted as the belief that Friday the 13th brings bad luck. In contrast, Greece and many Spanish-speaking countries view Tuesday the 13th as an unlucky day, a belief that persists despite its mysterious origins. While some see the date as just another day, others treat it as a cosmic warning, choosing to avoid major plans, steer clear of black cats and even follow age-old superstitions in hopes of warding off misfortune.
But where does this belief come from? And why do people assign such symbolic weight to the seemingly simple pairing of a number and a day? The answer lies in a mix of ancient superstitions, cultural interpretations and even the influence of modern horror films.
Origin Of Friday The 13th
The superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th don’t stem from a single origin story. In many Western cultures, the number 13 has long been considered unlucky, largely because it disrupts the perceived completeness of 12—think twelve months in a year, twelve zodiac signs, twelve apostles. The association deepens with the story of the Last Supper, where Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would betray Jesus, was the 13th guest. While the meal took place on a Thursday, tradition holds that Jesus was crucified the following day, a Friday. However, as Dr. Phil Steven, a retired anthropology professor, points out, the Bible itself doesn’t confirm that the crucifixion occurred on a Friday.
On the other hand, several biblical accounts also associate Fridays with misfortune, linking them to events such as Adam and Eve’s sin, Cain’s murder of Abel, and the Great Flood. Western creations like the 1980s’ Friday the 13th and Dan Brown’s 2003 novel The Da Vinci Code popularised the fear even more. In Roman culture, the number 13 is considered unlucky, as witches were thought to congregate in groups of 12, with the 13th one being regarded as the devil.
Coming to real-life events, Friday the 13th has also been synonymous with several chilling coincidences, including tragic plane crashes, avalanche deaths during World War I, and more.
Can You Avoid The Curse?
While there’s no scientific evidence to support the idea that Friday the 13th brings bad luck, many people still go out of their way to avoid unnecessary risks on this day. Some refrain from working or leaving the house unless absolutely necessary, while others take extra precautions, steering clear of black cats and avoiding other well-known superstitions.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
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