The myths and fears around the number thirteen are well known. People call it the unlucky number, so much so that several buildings worldwide completely skip the 13th floor. However, when the thirteenth falls on a Friday, the fear and myth surrounding this increases monumentally. October 13 brings with it one such Friday The Thirteenth, that will be filled with mixed reactions from those who believe the myths and dismiss them. However, where do the Friday The 13th Myths come from, what steps to take to have a safe Friday The Thirteenth, and more?

The History of 13 and Unluckiness

The idea that 13 is an unlucky number can be dated to Norse mythology. According to this folklore, 12 gods were having a dinner party at Valhalla, when the trickster god Loki arrived at the dinner, uninvited. Loki arranged for Höðr to shoot Balder with a mistletoe-tipped arrow, which led to his death. Since Loki was the thirteenth member to join the dinner and led to death, the number achieved its unlucky status. Friday the 13th Memes and Jokes: From 'Jason Voorhees' to 'Bad Luck Brian', Hilarious Posts to Share Around This Infamous Date.

When Friday Met The Thirteenth

When it comes to calling Friday The 13th particularly unlucky, this myth can be dated to the 19th century. Various arts and academics from the nineteenth century have associated Friday The Thirteenth with a lot of misfortune and bad luck. A character in the 1834 play Les Finesses des Gribouilles states, "I was born on a Friday, December 13th, 1813, from which come all of my misfortunes"

Friday The Thirteenth Today

Following this belief, there have been several incidents that have marked devastation on Friday The Thirteenth, perpetuating this myth forward. However, in recent times, more and more people have been curious about busting this myth and also celebrate and enjoy it when the thirteenth falls on a Friday, as the darkness associated with this date often entices them.

When it comes to October 13, 2023 - being a Friday, there are several people who are particularly excited about this date, not just because of the symbolism of Friday The Thirteenth, but also because of the release of the much-awaited Taylor Swift Era’s Tour Movie. The singer-songwriter has played a key role in removing the negative annotation of the number 13, and this Friday The Thirteenth, is sure to be exciting for her followers as well as Friday The Thirteenth enthusiasts!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 13, 2023 08:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).