Updated: 1-13-2023
Originally Published: 5-13-2022
Did you notice the calendar today? Another Friday the 13th is here! Are you superstitious? Do you read the date and instantly feel a sense of dread? Don’t worry: you are not alone. Millions of people worldwide fear Friday the 13th.
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Facts about Friday the 13th
Superstitions always bring curiosity. The problem with Friday the 13th is the origin or the lack of concrete history about the date. No one can pinpoint the exact moment that the fear of the date began. Of course, the unknown brings more fear to the date.
One possible belief of the fear centers around the day of the crucifixion of Jesus, a Friday. The number 13 focuses on The Last Supper in combination with the day. The night before the crucifixion Jesus ate his final meal with his 12 disciples. Together the two events form Friday the 13th.
Others believe the fear derived from a book published in 1907, Friday the Thirteenth by Thomas Lewson. In some cultures, the 13th is not unlucky at all. In Italy, 17 is the unlucky number.
Despite the unclear history, and the fear of Friday the 13th, communities, organizations, and individuals are cautious about the day and avoid using the number. Here are a few other interesting facts about the date and the number:
- The fear of Friday the 13th is known as friggatriskaidekaphobia or paraskevidekatriaphobia. The fear of the number 13 is triskaidekaphobia. Can you pronounce those?
- Many long-standing communities do not have a 13th street or 13th Avenue.
- When building high-rises, hospitals, or other structures, building planners skip the 13th floor.
- Many hotels do not have room 13.
- Airplanes do not have a row 13.
- Every year, the calendar has at least one Friday the 13th but it can have up to three.
- For the month to have a Friday the 13th. The first day must start on a Sunday.
- Businesses and airlines suffer financial losses on Friday the 13th.
- The date is the inspiration for a successful movie franchise.
The question remains, is Friday the 13th unlucky? People who fear Friday the 13th often call into work, avoid going outdoors, and simply wait for the day to pass. The big question is what do you believe?
