Many people consider Friday the 13th to be a day filled with misfortune, but have you wondered did this belief come from? Its origins lie in a blend of religious, cultural, and historical influences.
The number 13 has long been viewed as unlucky in different cultures. This fear is called "triskaidekaphobia" and is tied to various different folklore stories, legends and superstitions. In Christian tradition, the number 13 is ominous due to its association with the Last Supper, where Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus, was the 13th guest. Similarly, in Norse mythology, the god Loki was the 13th guest at a feast that ultimately led to the death of the Balder, one of the gods at the feast.
Fridays themselves have also carried negative connotations. In Christianity, Friday is remembered as the day Jesus was crucified, a day marked by sorrow. During the Middle Ages, Fridays were associated with executions, and sailors often avoided setting sail on this day due to its reputation.
The combination of Friday and the number 13 as a symbol of bad luck is a relatively recent idea. It became more well-known after events such as the mass arrest of the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13, ordered by King Philip IV of France. This event may have launched our modern superstition of Friday the 13th. Modern popular culture has also played a role in reinforcing superstition. The 1980 horror film Friday the 13th cemented the date as a symbol of dread, deepening its association with bad luck and fear.
However, this day happens to be one of our favorites for investigating! Perhaps you can start investigating the paranormal on Friday the 13th as well. Grab your Polterscript and your REM Pod, and let's go!
