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Every time a Friday the 13th rolls around, some people avoid travel, skip big decisions, or even stay home entirely. But where did this superstition come from?
The fear of Friday the 13th actually comes from a mix of old traditions, religion and folklore that developed over centuries.
One reason is the number 13 itself.
In many cultures, 12 has long been seen as a “complete” number, think 12 months in a year, 12 zodiac signs or 12 hours on a clock. Because of that, 13 was often viewed as irregular or unlucky.
There’s also a biblical connection often mentioned. At the Last Supper, there were 13 people at the table, Jesus and his 12 apostles, and tradition says Judas, the betrayer, was the 13th guest.
Friday also gained a reputation as an unlucky day in medieval Europe. Some traditions say Jesus was crucified on a Friday, and other unfortunate events in folklore were believed to have happened on that day.
When the two superstitions combined, the unlucky number 13 and the unlucky day Friday, the legend of Friday the 13th was born.
Another historical event often tied to the superstition happened on October 13, 1307, when King Philip IV of France ordered the arrest of hundreds of members of the Knights Templar, a powerful religious order. The arrests happened on a Friday the 13th, and the dramatic event helped cement the date’s eerie reputation.
The fear is so common that it even has a name: paraskevidekatriaphobia.
Despite all the superstition, many people treat the day as just another Friday. In fact, some even consider it lucky.
So whether you’re avoiding ladders and black cats or embracing the spooky fun, Friday the 13th has become one of the most famous superstitious days on the calendar.
