The Unlucky Legacy of Friday the 13th: Uncovering the Origins of a Superstition
As the calendar flips to June 13, 2025, many people will be on high alert, bracing themselves for the supposed misfortune that comes with Friday the 13th. According to a report by USA Today, this date has long been a staple of pop culture, most notably being the title of the long-running film franchise.
The unlucky date has captured the imagination of people around the world, with many believing that it brings bad luck. But where did this superstition originate? USA Today spoke to Dr. Phil Stevens, a retired anthropology professor from the University at Buffalo and the author of a book titled "Rethinking the Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft: Inherently Human," who shed some light on the subject.
According to Dr. Stevens, Friday the 13th combines two taboos that come from the Bible. "So 13 is associated with that terrible event," he said in a previous interview with USA Today. "And Friday, the 13th you get a double whammy. You get both of these elements coming together: the taboo against 13, and the crucifixion, which was on a Friday." The Last Supper of Jesus, where 13 people were seated at the table, and his subsequent crucifixion on a Friday, are seen as the roots of this superstition.
USA Today reports that the exact origins of when Friday the 13th became thought of as unlucky are unknown, however, it "likely comes from the Christian religion." National Geographic Kids notes that "For example, in the Bible, Judas — a person who is said to have betrayed Jesus — was the 13th guest at the Last Supper. Also in the Bible, many unfortunate things happened on Fridays," according to the magazine.
Dr. Stevens believes that the taboo surrounding Friday the 13th is weakening as people become more accepting of the number 13. He thinks that magical thinking, where people believe there is a causal relationship between two unrelated things, is at the heart of this superstition. "The word taboo actually is appropriate for this kind of a superstition," he said. "Because it’s the term that means avoiding establishing a magical connection."
Interestingly, Friday the 13th has become a lucky day for the tattoo industry, with many people opting to get inked on this date. USA Today notes that this trend has become so popular that some tattoo artists have reported an increase in business on Fridays the 13th.
As Friday the 13th comes and goes, many people will be breathing a sigh of relief that the supposed curse has passed. However, for those who continue to believe in the superstition, it’s just a matter of time before the next Friday the 13th rolls around. As Dr. Stevens noted, "It’s only a matter of time before it phases out."
This year, June 13 marks the first and only Friday the 13th of 2025. Last year saw Friday the 13th on the calendar twice, while 2026 will have three instances of Fridays the 13th in February, March, and November. Whether or not you believe in the superstition, one thing is certain – Friday the 13th has become an integral part of our cultural consciousness.
The origins of Friday the 13th as a superstition are complex and multifaceted. While its exact origins may be unclear, one thing is certain – it has captured the imagination of people around the world. As USA Today reports, "It’s an example of magical thinking… when someone believes there is a causal relationship between two things that are otherwise unrelated."
In conclusion, Friday the 13th remains a fascinating phenomenon that continues to capture the imagination of people around the world. Whether or not you believe in the superstition, it’s undeniable that it has become a significant part of our cultural heritage.
Source: USA Today – https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/06/12/friday-the-13th-unlucky/84141119007/
