FRIDAY THE 13TH ∙ Origins and Superstitions

Origins of Friday the 13th and superstitions surrounding it

ORIGINS

Friday the 13th is a day that is considered unlucky in Western superstition. The origins of the superstition surrounding this day can be traced back to a combination of Christian and Norse beliefs.

CHRISTIANITY

In Christianity, the number 13 is significant because it is the number of people present at the Last Supper, including Jesus and the 12 apostles. One of these apostles, Judas Iscariot, betrayed Jesus, leading to his crucifixion. This association of the number 13 with betrayal and betrayal has led to the belief that it is an unlucky number.

NORSE MYTHOLOGY

In Norse mythology, the god Odin was said to have hung himself from the world tree, Yggdrasil, on a Friday. Additionally, the 13th Norse god, Loki, was believed to be the one who orchestrated the event. This association of Friday and the number 13 with death and destruction has led to the belief that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day.

SUPERSTITIONS

The superstition surrounding Friday the 13th may also be related to the Knights Templar, a Christian military order that was active during the Middle Ages. The order was disbanded on Friday, October 13, 1307, and many of its members were arrested and executed, leading to the association of the day and number with bad luck.

The fear of the number 13 is known as triskaidekaphobia, and the fear of Friday the 13th is known as paraskevidekatriaphobia. Some people avoid certain activities or travel on this day, and some businesses may even close their doors.

Despite its reputation as an unlucky day, Friday the 13th is not universally considered to be so. Some cultures and societies view it as a perfectly normal day, and for some people, it is even considered lucky.

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In conclusion, the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th can be traced back to a combination of Christian and Norse beliefs, that associate the day and number with betrayal, death, and destruction. It has been popularized in the media and some people may avoid certain activities or travel on this day, while others see it as just another day.