Friday the 13th

The number 13 has long been regarded as the embodiment of misfortune, dating back centuries with a belief that this number is connected to death and ill luck. So much so that it doesn’t even appear in the Hammurabi Code of the Babylonians. As for Fridays, it is considered as a day of great misfortune for Christians due to its association with events like the crucifixion of Jesus and the day when Eve tempted Adam into eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. These superstitions have intertwined the unluckiness of both the number 13 and Friday. Furthermore, may Christians actively avoid using the number 13, as it is linked to the 13 individuals who shared the last supper with Jesus before he was crucified on Good Friday. This has cemented the belief that both the number 13 and Friday are inauspicious when combined. Friday the 13th is, thus, often perceived as a day of ill luck. Those associated with this day are convinced that it brings nothing but unfortunate happenings, to the extent that there’s a term used to describe people who fear Friday the 13th: Paraskevidekatriaphobia, derived from the Greek words ‘Paraskevi’ (Friday), ‘dekatreis’ (thirteen), and Phobos (fear). It’s been recorded that up to 21 million Americans alone suffer from this condition. Beyond being deeply ingrained in people’s beliefs as a legendary curse, there have been numerous events that continually emphasize the ill fortune of this day. From major fires in Australia to devastating snowstorms in Buffalo, significant air battles in Norway, and even a gathering of 13 bodies in Iran, Friday the 13th has seen its fair share of eerie incidents. The dread associated with Friday the 13th has had significant economic repercussions in the United States. It has led to the loss of billions of dollars due to a large portion of the population refraining from engaging in any activities or travel. This fear has even resulted in statistical evidence showing higher accident rates on Fridays, with accidents occurring up to 52% more frequently. While the exact cause of this superstition remains unclear, many believe it stems from the events of Jesus being crucified on a Friday. Additionally, Friday has historically been associated with executions and considered as a day of the devil, causing many fishermen to steer clear of the sea on this day.