Friday the 13th arrives and superstitions are in full swing. Everyone believes that this day brings bad luck and strange occurrences, from avoiding the stairs to not leaving the house.
Is Friday the 13th bad luck?
Some of the most common superstitions associated with Friday the 13th include not going under ladders, not opening umbrellas indoors and avoiding black cats.
A large number of people believe that these activities can bring bad luck and, worse, lead to a series of unfortunate events. Others prefer to stay at home on that day to avoid bad luck.
The ancient Romans considered it an unlucky day. In Norse mythology, it was believed to be a day of chaos brought on by Loki, the god of mischief. Christian folklore states that Jesus was crucified on a Friday, so this day is associated with misfortune.
However you celebrate or observe this superstitious day, it is important to remember that superstitions are just that: superstitions! Despite their deep-rooted belief, there is no scientific evidence that any of them bring bad luck.
Most common Friday the 13th superstitions
- Passing under a ladder.
- Breaking a mirror.
- Opening an umbrella under a roof.
- Starting something new or a project.
- Getting a haircut.
- Travel on Friday the 13th.
Number 13 in the occult
The number 13 is one of the most popular and widely used numbers in occultism and has a deep significance in many traditional belief systems. It has been considered, from ancient times to the present day, a powerful omen of good and bad luck.
From ancient times to the present day, it has been considered a powerful omen of good and bad luck. For example, in some cultures, the number 13 is considered a sign of good luck.
Considered a bringer of fortune and success, it can be used to ward off bad luck. It is also considered a sign of fertility, abundance, harmony and unity. The number 13 represents the feminine deity.
In Norse mythology, for example, the goddess Frigg was associated with the number 13. But in other societies, the number 13 is associated with fertility, abundance, harmony and unity.
The ancient Egyptians believed that the god Thoth had thirteen forms and that he brought death to those who saw him. Today, there are still many superstitions that the number 13 is unlucky or associated with bad luck and misfortune.
In contemporary occultism, 13 has taken on a different meaning. It represents transformation: from limitation to freedom, from darkness to light, from mortality to immortality, from ignorance to knowledge and from materialism to spiritual transcendence.
Others consider it to represent resurrection, a kind of rebirth in which one is reborn into a new form or state of being that transcends physical limitations and opens up new possibilities for spiritual growth and exploration.
Intuitive knowledge guides us through difficult times and helps us to make decisions based on what we truly believe and feel, not on what others tell us or on our fears or assumptions.
Creativity is also represented, that is, drawing on our imagination to make our dreams and visions come true through art or other creative activities.
Whatever the interpretation of its meaning, it is undeniable that the number thirteen carries a powerful energy in many cultures around the world. It has greatly influenced occultism throughout history, whether as a harbinger of good or bad luck or as something else entirely.
Why Friday?
Because of biblical events such as the Crucifixion of Jesus, the Flood and the temptation of Eve, this day would be considered unlucky. According to other theories, the 14th-century book The Canterbury Tales is the source of the notion that Friday brings bad luck.
Historical facts related to a Friday the 13th
The fear of Friday the 13th is known in English as friggatriskaidekaphobia and there is even an organization called the Thirteen Club, founded in 1881 by a group of 13 men who wanted to prove that the superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th were unfounded.
Here are some interesting historical facts related to this spooky day:
- The first recorded mention of Friday the 13th in history comes from a Norse myth involving 12 gods celebrating a dinner party, until Loki, the god of mischief, crashes it and causes the death of Balder, one of the gods.
- During medieval times in Europe, there was a widespread belief that witches gathered on Friday the 13th for their Sabbats.
- In 1780, an enormous storm caused the sinking of an entire British fleet off the coast of England on Friday the 13th. This event has since become known as “The Great Storm of 1780” or “The Night of the Great Wind”.
- In 1907, Thomas W. Lawson wrote a novel entitled “Friday the Thirteenth” which popularized among Americans the idea that this day brings bad luck.
- On October 13, 1307 – a Friday – hundreds of Templars were arrested by King Philip IV of France on charges of heresy and blasphemy. This event is considered to be one of the many factors that contribute to Friday the 13th being considered unlucky today.
- In 1940, Alfred Hitchcock released his psychological horror film “Rebecca” in theaters on a Friday the 13th. It went on to win Best Picture at that year’s Oscars!
- In 1970, Apollo 13 lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida bound for the Moon… only to suffer an explosion in its oxygen tank two days later and have to abort its mission – this happened just before entering lunar orbit on April 13 – again, on a Friday!
- In 1981 the first Friday the 13th movie was released, which spawned a popular horror franchise.
Famous movies related to Friday the 13th
- Friday the 13th (1980)
- Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
- Friday the 13th Part III (1982)
- Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)
- Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)
- Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)
- Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)
- Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)
- Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)
- Jason X (2001)
- Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
- Friday the 13th (2009)
Famous songs to mention on Friday the 13th
- “Bad Luck” by Social Distortion
- “Friday I’m in Love” by The Cure
- “Black Magic Woman” by Santana
- “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band
- “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC
- “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder
- Curse of the Werewolf” by Iron Maiden
- “The Number of the Beast” by Iron Maiden
- “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
- “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
Friday the 13th is an unlucky day like as not, its long and rich history over time is something to keep in mind.
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