The truth behind the superstition: Why Friday the 13th sparks fear and bad luck

There are plenty of common superstitions around the world, like bad luck from seeing a black cat cross your path, opening an umbrella indoors, or walking under a ladder. But when it comes to being a true symbol of misfortune, nothing quite matches the dreaded Friday the 13th.

During the 24 hours that Friday the 13th lasts, some people are more careful with their actions and avoid doing certain things they would do on any other day in order to avoid misfortunes.

But, have you stopped to think why Friday the 13th is considered bad luck? Where did this superstition come from?

Why is Friday the 13th considered unlucky?

As with most superstitions, it is difficult to pinpoint its exact origin. However, there are various theories regarding how it came about.

According to National Geographic, one of the main hypotheses has to do with the Christian religion, since the Bible indicates that Judas, who betrayed Jesus after the Last Supper, was the thirteenth guest; while Fridays were characterized by various series of unfortunate events, including the crucifixion of Jesus. This results in the relationship between Friday, the 13th, and bad luck.

National Geographic also relates the fear of the number 13 with the meaning of the number 12, which has to do with the cycle of things.

“Think about it: there are 12 months in a year, 12 inches in a foot, 12 pairs of ribs in a body, etc. So, it is possible that the number 13 worries people because it makes them think about the unknown, beyond the number 12″, according to the media outlet.

Phobia of the number 13

People who fear the number 13 suffer from something called “triscaidekaphobia”, while those who specifically fear Friday the 13th suffer from “parascevedecatriaphobia”. In Spain and Greece, they fear another day: Tuesday the 13th, and those who are afraid of it suffer from “trezidavomartiophobia”.