Why is Friday the 13th Unlucky? - Folklore and Urban Myths
- debdut pramanick
- Sep 15, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 13, 2024
Ah, Friday the 13th! Just the mention of it can send shivers down the spine of the superstitious among us. This infamous day, often associated with bad luck, horror movies, and urban legends, has a rich tapestry of folklore and urban legend woven into its history. It’s a day when people avoid walking under ladders and crossing black cats. It’s also the namesake of a classic horror movie franchise. But none of us has really put much thought into why Friday the 13th is so scary and why we are even superstitious about it. From ancient beliefs to modern-day fears, let's explore the intriguing world of Friday the 13th and the myths that surround it.
The Origins of Friday the 13th
A Day of Bad Luck
The superstition surrounding Friday and the 13th of the month has roots in Christianity and Western culture that stretch back centuries. In Western cultures, both Friday and the number 13 have long been considered unlucky. The combination of the two, however, seems to have gained traction in the early 20th century. The term "Friday the 13th" first appeared in print in 1913, marking the day as particularly ominous. Over time, this superstition has inspired everything from campfire stories to blockbuster horror franchises, embedding the date firmly in popular imagination.
Religion
Historically, Fridays have been viewed with suspicion (Apologies to all the TGIF supporters.). For Christians, Friday is associated with the crucifixion of Jesus, which adds a layer of negativity to the day. To add to this, the night before was the night of the Last Supper when Jesus dined with 12 apostles, making Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, the 13th guest. This connection between the number 13 and betrayal has cemented its reputation as a harbinger of bad luck.
Numerology and Folklore
In numerology, the number 12 is often seen as a symbol of completeness—think of the 12 months of the year or the 12 zodiac signs. Thus, the number 13 is viewed as an irregularity, a disruption of this completeness. This belief is not limited to Christianity; many ancient cultures regarded the number 13 with suspicion. In Norse mythology, for example, the trickster god Loki crashed a banquet of 12 gods, making him the 13th, which led to chaos and misfortune. And if you're wondering, the fear of the number 13 has its own clinical term: triskaidekaphobia.
The Knights Templar
One of the most famous historical events linked to Friday the 13th is the arrest of the Knights Templar on October 13, 1307. Under King Philip IV of France, many members of this powerful order were arrested and executed, leading to the belief that the day was cursed. This event has been romanticized in various tales and is often cited as a pivotal moment that contributed to the superstition surrounding the date. It was widely popularized by its mention in the Dan Brown novel, "The Da Vinci Code".
Famous Incidents
Over the years, many bad events have occurred on Friday the 13th, further embedding the day in popular culture. These incidents, while coincidental, have fueled the myth that Friday the 13th is a day of doom.
Buckingham Palace Bombing (1940)
During World War II, on September 13, 1940, Buckingham Palace was bombed by German forces. The royal family was in residence at the time, making the event particularly notable. Queen Elizabeth II, then a princess, famously remarked that she was "glad we have been bombed" because it allowed her to face the East End with pride.
The Uruguayan Flight 571 Crash (1972)
On October 13, 1972, Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crashed in the Andes while en route to Chile. The crash resulted in the death of many passengers, and the survivors were forced to resort to cannibalism to stay alive. The crash and survival story became one of the most studied examples of human resilience under extreme circumstances was later recounted in the book and film "Alive".
Aeroflot Flight 217 Crash (1972)
On the same day as the Uruguayan flight disaster, October 13, 1972, Aeroflot Flight 217 crashed in Russia, killing all 174 people on board. This incident is one of the deadliest aviation disasters in history. While the crash occurred on October 13, it may not have directly contributed to the superstition around Friday the 13th.
The IBM Crash (1989)
On October 13, 1989, IBM experienced a significant computer crash due to a virus, known as the "Friday the 13th virus", resulting in disruptions for businesses relying on their systems. The virus had a limited scope but drew attention to the growing threats of cyberattacks during the early internet age.
Stock Market Crash (1989)
On the same day as the IBM crash, the stock market experienced a mini crash (6.91%), with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling significantly. This was attributed to a combination of program trading and concerns over a leveraged buyout deal. This financial turmoil contributed to the perception of Friday the 13th as an unlucky day for business.
Kitty Genovese Murder (1964)
On March 13, 1964, Kitty Genovese was brutally attacked and murdered outside her apartment in New York City. The incident gained notoriety because it was reported that 38 witnesses heard her cries for help but did not intervene, leading to the concept of the "bystander effect." However, recent investigations suggest that the idea of 38 witnesses doing nothing was exaggerated by media reports. The case spurred research into social psychology and urban responsibility, but the sensationalized reporting has been debunked over time.
The Bhola Cyclone (1970)
On November 13, 1970, the Bhola cyclone struck East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), resulting in one of the deadliest natural disasters in history. Estimates of the death toll range from 150,000 to 500,000 people, and the aftermath contributed to political unrest and the eventual Bangladeshi War of Independence.
Black Friday Bushfires (1939)
On January 13, 1939, a series of devastating bushfires swept through Victoria, Australia, killing 71 people. The fires, known as "Black Friday," destroyed homes and wildlife, leaving a lasting impact on the region. They were among the worst bushfires in Australian history.
Novels and Films on Friday the 13th
In the 20th century, the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th gained more widespread popularity through various works of fiction. In 1907, Thomas W. Lawson published a novel called "Friday, the Thirteenth" about a stockbroker who takes advantage of the superstition to crash the stock market
The horror film franchise "Friday the 13th," which debuted in 1980, has also played a significant role in popularizing the superstition. Featuring the iconic character Jason Voorhees, the series has become synonymous with the day itself. The films capitalize on the fear surrounding the date, turning it into a cultural phenomenon.
One of the most famous real-life stories associated with Friday the 13th is that of Bob Renphrey, a retired bus driver who experienced a series of unfortunate events on every Friday the 13th in the early 1990s. His misfortunes included falling into a river, crashing a motorcycle, writing off four cars, and accidentally hitting his wife in the face with a stick. After these incidents, Renphrey stayed in bed every subsequent Friday the 13th until his death in 1998.
The Psychology Behind Superstitions such as Friday the 13th
Why Do We Believe?
The belief in superstitions like Friday the 13th can be explained through psychological lenses. Humans are naturally inclined to seek patterns and explanations in a chaotic world. Superstitions provide a sense of control and predictability, even if they are based on irrational beliefs. Dr. Phil Stevens, a retired anthropology professor, describes this phenomenon as "magical thinking." He explains that magical thinking is when someone believes is there is a causal relationship between two things that are otherwise unrelated. For example, Friday and 13 together take on a different quality when they fall on the same day. This magical thinking can provide comfort in uncertain times, allowing individuals to feel a sense of control over their fate.
Some people look for positive connections between things. For example, China kicked off the Olympics in 2008 at 8:08 p.m. on the eighth day of the eighth month because the number is associated with good luck.
The Role of Anecdotes
Anecdotes and stories play a crucial role in perpetuating the myths surrounding Friday the 13th. When someone shares a tale of misfortune linked to the date, it reinforces the belief in its unluckiness. For instance, the story of Bob Renphrey, a man who claimed to have experienced a series of unfortunate events on every Friday the 13th, has become a cautionary tale that many share. His experiences, while humorous, highlight the power of storytelling in shaping our perceptions of luck and fate.
The world’s economy apparently loses about $900 million because people are afraid to work and travel on this date, says Donald Dassey, a folklorist and founder of the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute. However, this figure is an estimate and has not been substantiated with detailed economic analysis.
So, whether you’re a believer in the unlucky nature of Friday the 13th or someone who revels in the fun it brings, remember that superstitions are a part of the human experience. Embrace the day, share a laugh, and perhaps even indulge in a little mischief. After all, life is too short to take every superstition seriously!
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