Friday the 13th History: Spooky Stories, Urban Legends and Unlucky Events That Surround the Origin of Black Friday

Here’s yet another Friday the 13th. What a time to tell spooky stories and creepy tales! Whenever Friday and the date 13th coincide, the outcome is believed to be ill-boding. What makes Friday the 13 so unlucky? There are many urban legends and tales about the day that will send a chill up your spine. Friday the 13th or Black Friday is considered unfavourable for any good deed. Whether or not you believe in superstitions, people genuinely get spooked out by the day. The fear also has two names – paraskevidekatriaphobia or friggatriskaidekaphobia. Both mean fear of Friday the 13th. If you want to know the reason why the day is so abhorred, here are some nail-biting stories.

People belonging to various cultures, traditions and ethnicities consider the inauspicious. Many people prefer to stay indoors on Friday the 13th to thwart any unlucky instances. The West are staunch believers of this day and host various events observing it. Friday the 13th Dates in 2019: Which Month Will We See The 'Unlucky Day' This Year? Know The Previous and Next Occurrence.

Friday the 13th Legends

The most popular theory surrounding Friday the 13th is thought to be the origin of the Last Supper, attended by 13 people. Jesus along with 12 of his disciples had a meal together a day before the crucifixion. The number 13 is therefore associated with Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' betrayer who betrayed him. 13 is regarded imperfect compared to 12, which represents the number of months in a year. It is also said that the day and date has been traced back to King Philip IV of France who arrested hundreds of Knights Templar on October 13, 1307, which was also a Friday. Friday the 13th: Meaning, Origin and Story Behind the Superstitions of This Unlucky Day.

Norse mythology states that Frigga, a free-spirited goddess of love and fertility was called a witch. As per legends, she was banished when the tribes converted to Christianity. It is said that every Friday, the evil goddess along with other witches made evil plans for the week. It is believed that 13 devils work upon creating harm every Friday.

Here Are Some of the Unfortunate Events That Happened on Friday the 13th:

While it is Friday the 13 that frightens most people in the West, Spanish-speaking countries and in Greece, Tuesday the 13th have significance. In Italy, it is on Friday the 17th. Some of the ill omens include black cat crossing the path, breaking a mirror, walking under a ladder, opening an umbrella indoors among others. While these are some of the days, several other unfortunate historical incidents have occurred on Friday the 13th. Several other mythological stories also have references to this day.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 13, 2019 12:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).