Friday the 13th: A Day of Superstition and Mystery
Friday the 13th has long been associated with bad luck, sparking curiosity and caution worldwide. This infamous date, combining the feared number 13 and the historically unlucky Friday, has inspired a mix of folklore, fear, and pop culture fascination. From ancient beliefs to modern superstitions, it has fueled everything from creepy legends to slasher films. While some dismiss it as mere myth, others avoid travel, big decisions, or even leaving their homes. Whether you see it as a spooky coincidence or a lighthearted tradition, Friday the 13th continues to captivate imaginations and stir up conversations.
**Where does Friday the 13th come from?
The fear of Friday the 13th is known as paraskevidekatriaphobia which combines two long-standing cultural fears: the number 13 and Friday. Its origins are unclear. However historical documents show that superstition actually rose in the medieval period.
Afraid of the number 13:
There are people that say that it comes from the Scandinavian topography involving the mischievous god, Loki. Joined the list of 12 uninvited guests at party. Causing chaos…
- in Christianity the thirteen people were present in the Last Supper with Judas Iscariot being the 13th person.
Day: Friday:
In Christian tradition it is considered bad luck to be up on Friday. Due to the fact that the Jesus Christ was crucified on the Friday.
In naval traditions – Friday was an auspicious day of the week for no sailor dared to pray for.
Superstitions about Friday the 13th emerged only at the beginning of the twentieth century. This superstition was popularized by the novel Thomas W. Lawson’s Friday the Thirteenth which narrates situations around stock market on this black dated film.
Superstitions that people hold concerning Friday the 13th
For one reason or the other, Friday the 13th remains shrouded in superstitions all over the world today. Below are several prevalent beliefs:
Avoiding Travel:Many people do not take a car or a bus on this day since people believe this day is cursed and it is safer to risk an accident or any other calamity to happen. The airlines organization singling out a minor dip in their passenger bookings on this particular date.
Breaking Mirrors:It is considered bad luck when a mirror is broken, but if it happens on the Friday the 13th then the bad luck lasts seven years.
No Weddings or Major Decisions:There are many beliefs that exist, but most of them are against anyone getting married, the start of any project, or the purchase of anything big on this day.
Ominous Animals:Specifically, black cats regarded as creatures of witches are especially feared on Friday the 13th.
On the other hand, some cultures consider this day to be lucky. For instance in Italy, the numerical digit 13 is associated with wealth and prosperity, but Friday the 17th is considered as an unfavorable day.
Friday the 13th and Superstition in Popular Culture-The fear related to this day has been given much hype in the horror films.
A selection of intriguing facts regarding various fears and superstitions from around the globe.
Italy
In Italy, Friday the 17th is regarded as an unlucky day, while the number 13 is generally viewed as fortunate.
Spain
In Spain and other Spanish-speaking nations, Tuesday the 13th, known as “martes trece,” is deemed a day of misfortune.
Mexico
While pearls are commonly worn by brides in American weddings, a Mexican bride would avoid wearing them on her wedding day, as this is believed to bring bad luck and sorrow throughout the marriage.
Poland
For women traveling to Poland, it is advised to keep purses off the floor, as doing so is thought to invite bad luck and financial loss.
Bolivia
In Bolivia, placing shoes on a table is considered an unlucky act that may lead to poverty, in addition to being a poor hygiene practice.
Hungary
In Hungary, flowers are presented in odd numbers to the living, while even-numbered bouquets are reserved for the deceased.
Japan
Many buildings in Japan omit the fourth floor due to the number four being associated with bad luck, as its pronunciation (四 Shi) closely resembles the word for death (死 Shi).
Ukraine
For unmarried women in Ukraine, sitting at the corner of a table is strongly discouraged, as it is believed to delay marriage for seven years.
The “Friday the 13th” Film Series:
The success of the movie, Friday the 13th in 1980 followed by a series of sequels has made this day popular in cultures. Featuring his main antagonist character, Jason Voorhees and its eerie background music, the series set the steer the course of the day.
Friday the 13th Movies and Release Dates
Friday the 13th (1980)-The original slasher film that introduced the world to Camp Crystal Lake and its dark history.
Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)-The sequel where Jason Voorhees begins his reign as the primary killer.
Friday the 13th Part III (1982)-The first film in the series to be shot in 3D, featuring Jason donning his iconic hockey mask.
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)-Marketed as the conclusion to the series but proved far from the last installment.
Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)-A fresh take on the series with a new killer taking up Jason’s mantle.
Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)-Reviving Jason as an undead, unstoppable force.
Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)-Featuring a telekinetic protagonist facing off against Jason.
Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)-Jason stalks victims through New York City after leaving Camp Crystal Lake.
Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)-A supernatural twist on Jason’s story, hinting at his connection to the Necronomicon.
Jason X (2001)-Set in the distant future, Jason wreaks havoc in outer space.
Freddy vs. Jason (2003)-A crossover battle between Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street.
Friday the 13th (2009)-A reboot of the original series that combines elements of the first three films.
Tattoo Tradition:13th of the Fridays ,which known as Neptune’s day,has become a popular days for receiving a tattoo. Many studios offer their services at a lower price or offer specific tatoos, usually this is 13, black cats, skulls or anything else that can be associated with horror. From countercultural recognition of superstition towards the playful celebration of the day.
Music and Literature:The day seems to be present in music, literature, art and is associated with misfortune or the concept of the Gothic. Groups, including Black Sabbath, are associated with the very spirit of Friday the 13th; they published records and performed on this day.
Socio-psychological and Financial Repercussions
The Impact of Fear:
The myths and beliefs about Friday the 13th cause a lot of can trigger serious fear in some people. Fear may lead people cancel social activities they had planned, avoid going to work, or decide to stay at home, thus there will be low productivity.
Economic Repercussions:
There is evidence that people spend up to £700 million globally because of Friday the 13th; and this is because people avoid traveling, or do not buy things or attend ceremonies that are scheduled for the specific date.
Celebrating Friday the 13th
Whereas previously people disliked the day, today people can enjoy the peculiarities of the day. Having tattoos, partying and horror movies have created the enjoyment aspect of Friday the 13th.