One of the Western superstitions that has sculpted into the minds is Friday the 13th, an unlucky day. It is considered one of the unluckiest days in the calendar, engulfed with mystery, superstition and fear. From avoiding black cats to steering clear of essential decisions, many people harbour anxiety about this infamous date. Friday the 13th has long carried an aura of mystery and misfortune, which is often associated with bad luck. This date, occurring at least once every year, has become synonymous with superstitions. But where did this belief of Friday the 13th as an unlucky day come from, and is there any real evidence that it brings bad luck? We at LatestLY, have collated its origin, history and associated myths. Friday the 13th Superstition Funny Memes and Jokes: Hilarious Videos, Happy Friday the 13th Messages and Eerie Posts Take Over X on the ‘Unlucky Day’ To Ease Superstitious Craze.

Why Is Friday 13th Considered Unlucky?

Friday the 13th has been long associated with being unlucky. The combination of Friday, seen as an unlucky day in many cultures, and the number 13, often regarded as ominous, has created a strong association with misfortune. Besides, The fear of the number 13, known as ‘triskaidekaphobia,’ is a major contributor to the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th.

Can Friday the 13th Bring You Bad Omen?

No, Friday the 13th does not bring any bad omen. It is simply a belief that has been sourced from historical events and origins. No such evidences are there regarding the fact that the day brings bad omen.

Friday the 13th History and Origins

The belief in Friday the 13th as an unlucky day can be traced back to religious and historical events. The earliest associations come from Christianity, particularly the Last Supper, where 13 guests, including Judas, the betrayer of Jesus Christ, were present. It is believed that the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on a Friday. Thus, the combination of the two – Friday and number 13, emerged as the number of misfortune.

Some historians point to Norse mythology, where Loki, the god of mischief, was the 13th guest at a dinner in Valhalla. His arrival resulted in chaos and the eventual death of the beloved god Balder, further embedding the belief that 13 brings bad luck.

Moreover, historical events have also played a crucial role in cementing this superstition. On Friday, October 13, 1307, King Philip IV of France ordered the mass arrest of the Knights Templar, a powerful religious and military order. Following the arrest, many members were executed or tortured, adding weight to the idea that Friday the 13th is linked to disaster.

Friday the 13th Myths

Friday the 13th myth has emerged mainly from the 19th century when various arts and academics associated Fridat the 13th with lots of misfortune and bad luck. Moreover, a character from the 1834 play Les Finesses des Gribouilles states, “I was born on a Friday, December 13th 1813, from which come all my misfortune. Also, the 1980 horror film 'Friday the 13th' solidified the day’s eerie reputation, showcasing it in the cultural consciousness as a symbol of fear and foreboding.

In modern-day society, considering Friday the 13th as the unlucky day is diminishing. This is evident from how pop singer Taylor Swift embraced the number 13 as her lucky number. During her initial career days, this number was often featured prominently during her performances, even writing it on her hand during shows. Besides, netizens, social media users and meme makers are taking full opportunity on Friday the 13th to create memes, jokes, one-liners and puns to wash away people’s worry and fear. This shift in perception could signal a change in how people perceive the long-standing superstitions.

Friday the 13th continues to be one of the most intriguing and persistent superstitions in Western culture. However, people are slowly shifting their beliefs and debunking their myths by embracing the number 13 as a lucky number and with a pinch of humourous memes and puns. Ending on a note saying, treat Friday the 13th like any other random day and rise above your fear and superstitions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 13, 2024 05:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).