Friday is the most awaited day of the week, as it marks the beginning of the weekend. But this Friday, September 13, that's today, may not have been a much-anticipated one since it is Friday the 13th. There is a fearful association of bad luck and all things spooky with this day and date and it is often referred to as Black Friday. Friday the 13th is considered unlucky in several cultures and, thus, a lot of people prefer staying indoors to avoid any sort of bad luck coming their way. There are numerous theories regarding the origin of this supposedly unlucky day. On Friday the 13th, we also look at the previous dates and next dates of 'Black Friday' in 2019 and the next few years.

The fear associated with Friday the 13th is so strong that there is even a phobia term for it. The phobia of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia or friggatriskaidekaphobia. The negative connotations only grew stronger when even popular culture highlighted the day as a bad omen. Several movies and documentaries have been made on this dark day, the most popular being Friday the 13th. Friday the 13th: Meaning, Origin and Story Behind the Superstitions of This Unlucky Day.

Previous Friday the 13th Dates

September 13, is the first occurrence of Friday the 13th this year. The previous such occurrence was on July 13, 2018. Before that, it was on April 13, 2018.

Next Friday the 13th Dates

December 13, 2019

March 13, 2020

November 12, 2020

There is no specific number to ascertain how many Friday the 13ths may take place in a year. The year 2015, saw three Black Fridays. But after that until the year 2025, Friday the 13th will come once or twice (maximum) in a row.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 13, 2019 11:46 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).