Why friday the 13th UNLUCKY? The superstitions and myths behind the fear

New Delhi: Friday the 13th is a day marked with dread and superstition. This notorious date has become synonymous with bad luck, and some people even have a specific phobia for it: paraskavedekatriaphobia or friggatriskaidekaphobia. The fear surrounding Friday the 13th is so widespread that it is estimated to cost organizations up to $900 million due to people avoiding travel, business ventures, and even work. But why is this day so feared?

Why number 13 unlucky?

The superstition surrounding the number 13 has deep roots in Western culture, often seen in sharp contrast to the number 12, which symbolizes harmony, balance, and completeness. For instance, there are 12 months in a year, 12 zodiac signs, 12 gods of Olympus, and 12 tribes of Israel, all of which reinforce the notion of 12 as a perfect and whole number. This perception makes 13 seem like an outlier, symbolizing disorder and imbalance, contributing to its reputation as unlucky.

The superstition surrounding 13 continued to grow over time, woven into various cultural and religious beliefs. Despite its unfounded origins, the fear of 13 became a significant aspect of Western traditions, with some buildings even skipping the 13th floor and many avoiding the number in events and gatherings.

Biblical roots

In Christianity, the fear of the number 13 is often traced back to the Last Supper, a significant event that occurred the night before Jesus’ crucifixion. During this gathering, Jesus dined with his 12 apostles, bringing the total number of attendees to 13. The following day, Good Friday, Jesus was crucified, marking a tragic moment in Christian history. This association between the number 13 and such a devastating event has long fueled the superstition that having 13 guests at a table is an omen of bad luck, with the belief that misfortune or even death could follow.

Cultural variations across the globe

Interestingly, not all cultures fear Friday the 13th. In Spain, it is Tuesday the 13th that is seen as unlucky. In Italy, Friday the 17th holds more ominous connotations due to the Roman numeral XVII, which can be rearranged to spell “VIXI,” meaning "my life is over" in Latin.

Across different societies, the date brings about its own set of superstitions, proving that the fear of Friday the 13th may vary but is still deeply rooted in culture.