FRIDAY THIRTEENTH
What not to do on Friday the 13th: Superstitions that bring bad luck
It happens at least once every year and always illicits suspicion for those inclined towards superstition. Friday 13th is here.
Friday the 13th is widely regarded as an unlucky day, steeped in a blend of historical events and cultural beliefs. The superstition primarily stems from the fear of the number 13 and the day Friday, both of which have been associated with misfortune across various cultures.
The origins of Friday the 13th can be traced back to several historical and mythological sources. In Christianity, the Last Supper featured 13 individuals, including Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. This event, combined with the belief that Jesus was crucified on a Friday, has led to a negative association with both the day and the number.
For Friday 13th stories
Norse mythology also plays a role; the trickster god Loki was the 13th guest at a banquet in Valhalla, which resulted in chaos and the death of the beloved god Balder.
Common superstitions to avoid
If you are a superstitious person then it is best to avoid doing any of these things on today of all days:
- Opening an umbrella indoors: This act is considered to invite misfortune, as it is believed to offend the spirits of the home.
- Walking under a ladder: This is often seen as a symbol of bad luck, with one belief stemming from the triangular shape formed by the ladder, which is thought to represent the Holy Trinity in Christianity.
- Breaking a mirror: This superstition suggests that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck, as mirrors were once believed to reflect not just one’s image but also one’s soul.
- Black cats crossing your path: While some cultures view black cats as lucky, in Western superstition they are often seen as omens of bad luck.
- Spilling salt: This act is traditionally linked to bad luck, and it is recommended to throw a pinch over your left shoulder to ward off evil spirits.
Cultural Variations
Interestingly, not all cultures view Friday the 13th as unlucky. For instance, in Italy, the number 13 is often considered lucky, while the day associated with bad luck is actually Friday the 17th. In Spain and many Latin American countries, Tuesday the 13th (martes trece) is the day to avoid.