Friday the 13th superstitions: what makes Friday the 13th so notorious? Why is it considered 'unlucky'? Let's explore the origins of this age-old belief.
Friday the 13th superstitions - A Day of Superstition or Just a Coincidence?
Every now and then, the 13th day of a month falls on a Friday, marking the infamous Friday the 13th. While some skeptics may laugh it off as mere superstition, believers often tread carefully on this day.
The Mysterious Origins of Friday the 13th
The exact origin of Friday the 13th's unlucky reputation is unclear. However, various myths and stories have sustained this belief across cultures and centuries. One notable tale comes from Norse mythology, as detailed in Charles Panati's book "Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things".
In this legend, Loki, the God of mischief, crashed a banquet in Valhalla, raising the number of guests to 13.
This led to tragic events where Hodr, a blind god, accidentally killed his brother Balder, the God of light, with an arrow. This story is one of the earliest mentions linking the number 13 with misfortune.
The Connection to Christianity
The ominous energy surrounding the number 13 extends into Christianity as well.
At the Last Supper, held on a Thursday, Judas Iscariot was the 13th guest to arrive. Judas later betrayed Jesus, leading to his crucifixion the following day—on a Friday.
This association has further solidified the belief that 13 is unlucky and that Friday holds negative connotations.
Why is Friday Considered Unlucky?
Beyond the number 13, Friday itself has been tied to several unfortunate events in religious and mythological stories.
According to CNN, major events like Adam and Eve eating the forbidden apple, Cain murdering Abel, and even the fall of the Temple of Solomon all reportedly occurred on Fridays.
This pattern has contributed to the perception that Friday is an unlucky day.
Friday the 13th in Pop Culture
This blend of superstition and mythology made its way into literature and popular culture.
In 1907, Thomas William Lawson wrote the novel "Friday, the Thirteenth", which depicted a stockbroker using the fear surrounding the date to manipulate the stock market.
The belief's modern-day legacy is also reflected in the "Friday the 13th" horror film franchise, which first debuted in 1980 and continues to influence popular culture.
Another Perspective: Friday as a Symbol of Feminine Energy
Not all cultures view Friday negatively. In Pagan traditions, Fridays are seen as a day that symbolizes feminine energy.
Some even believe that Friday is named after the Goddess Frigg (or Frigga), who represents love, marriage, and motherhood. This contrasting view shows that, depending on the culture, Friday can also be seen as a positive, nurturing day.
The Positive Side of Friday and the Number 13
A similar revered association is traced to Goddess Freyja, who is connected with love, fertility, and war. This connection offers a more positive and optimistic view of Fridays in mythology, portraying them as a day of power and significance.
The Symbolism of the Number 13 in Art
The significance of the number 13 is also reflected in ancient art. A notable example is the Venus of Laussel, a famous limestone sculpture displayed at the Musée d'Aquitaine in Bordeaux, France. This 18.11-inch-high relief depicts a nude woman cradling her pregnant belly while holding a horn with 13 distinct lines carved into it. This artwork has long been seen as a powerful symbol of fertility.
Taylor Swift and the Number 13
In more modern times, Taylor Swift has become a symbol of the number 13. During a 2009 interview with Jay Leno, the pop star explained her strong connection to the number.
She shared, "I was born on the 13th. I turned 13 on Friday the 13th. My first album went gold in 13 weeks.
My first No. 1 song had a 13-second intro. Every time I’ve won an award, I’ve been seated in either the 13th seat, the 13th row, the 13th section, or row M, which is the 13th letter." For her, the number 13 has always been a good luck charm.
Fear of Friday the 13th: Paraskevidekatriaphobia
While many people laugh off the superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th, for others, this date can be truly anxiety-inducing. The fear of Friday the 13th even has a name: paraskevidekatriaphobia, a term used to describe a morbid fear of this specific date.
Conclusion
Whether Friday the 13th is considered a day of bad luck or just another day is a matter of perception. Across cultures, from Norse mythology to Christian traditions, the number 13 and the day Friday have been linked to misfortune.
However, some cultures view Friday as a positive day, highlighting its connection to feminine energies. In the end, Friday the 13th remains a day steeped in history, lore, and intrigue—leaving it up to the individual to decide whether to fear it or simply enjoy the day.
Whether you view Friday the 13th as a day of superstition, bad luck, or just another Friday, its significance is deeply rooted in both mythology and modern culture.
From the reverence of Goddess Freyja to the positive influence of the number 13 in art and pop culture, this date holds diverse meanings.
So, however you feel about Friday the 13th, may it bring you good fortune!
