Friday the 13th

Superstitions, Old Wives Tales, omens, are a part of our heritage and culture.  Many come from a time when science didn’t provide the answers it does today and people were left to explain natural phenomena which they couldn’t understand, leading to supernatural explanations.  Others come from traditional religious beliefs such as paganism, polytheism and a desire to foretell the future.

Some superstitions explain, some warn and some dictate behaviour.  Most are grounded some way in fear and a desire to avoid back outcomes or evil consequences.  They often seem a bit silly and unnecessary, to the outside observer because they can be.

Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13 and it ties into the superstition surrounding Friday the 13^th and the fear of Friday the 13^th friggatriskaidekaphobia.  When the 13^th of a month falls on a Friday it is often considered a day of bad luck and is approached with trepidation and caution.

The superstition arose from noticing and associating bad things with Fridays and the number 13.  The most prevalent example of this is The Last Supper, attended by 13, and Jesus’ death the following day on Good Friday.  There are also other theories from other cultures as to why we fear Friday the 13^th.

Whether you’re a believer or not, the superstition surround Friday the 13^th is well known in our culture, there has been an entire movie franchise built around the fear associated with the day.  It’s a spooky holiday that everyone notices when it comes around!