The Enduring Fear of Friday the 13th: Unpacking the Origins of a Global Superstition
As the calendar flips to Friday, the 13th, a sense of unease settles over millions of people around the world. This date, steeped in history and myth, has become synonymous with bad luck and terror. But what lies behind this enduring fear? According to a report by the Economic Times, a publication that has extensively covered this topic, "people begin referring to it as unfortunate without providing an explanation."
The origins of this superstition are shrouded in mystery, with various theories attempting to explain why Friday the 13th is considered unlucky. Stephen Winick, a folklore specialist at the American Folklife Center at The Library of Congress, notes that "you get all kinds of weird theories about why Friday the 13th is unlucky." As reported by the Economic Times, some believe that Judas was the thirteenth guest at the Last Supper, while others point to the Knights Templar being condemned on this day. However, experts remain uncertain about the veracity of these claims.
The Economic Times reports that the notion of Friday being an unlucky day dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was considered a day of crucifixion. In the English-speaking world and throughout Europe, Fridays were historically regarded as unlucky days, with every Friday being a day of penance in the old Catholic tradition. The publication notes that the number 13, however, was once considered lucky due to its association with the 13 people at the Last Supper. It wasn’t until the 17th century that the number 13 began to be viewed as unlucky.
The Economic Times cites a report that suggests the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th may have originated from French literature and plays. In the 1834 play Les Finesses des Gribouilles, a character states, "I was born on a Friday, December 13th, 1813, from which come all of my misfortunes." The Marquis de Salvo also discussed a father who killed his daughter on Friday the 13th in the French literary journal Revue de Paris, writing, "It is always Fridays and the number thirteen that bring bad luck."
Throughout history, there have been several events that have contributed to the enduring fear of Friday the 13th. During World War I, avalanches killed thousands of soldiers in the Dolomites on December 13, 1916, also known as White Friday. On October 13, 1972, a Russian airliner crashed close to Moscow, killing 174 people. The Economic Times reports that these events, along with numerous others, have cemented Friday the 13th as a day of bad luck in popular culture.
For individuals who suffer from anxiety disorders, the cultural and historical connotations of Friday and the number 13 can cause phobias. Ritualistic behaviours, such as eating garlic, hanging shoes outside windows, and going around a room thirteen times on Friday the 13th, are examples of how this fear manifests. As the Economic Times notes, "due to these cultural and historical connotations, Friday and the number 13 are associated with fear and hatred."
In conclusion, the fear of Friday the 13th is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has been shaped by history, myth, and cultural associations. As the Economic Times reports, "superstition only became popular in the twentieth century. Previously, Fridays and the number 13 were considered unlucky individually, but not together." With its roots in medieval Europe and its continued relevance today, Friday the 13th remains a date that inspires fear and unease in millions of people around the world.
The Economic Times also answers some frequently asked questions about Friday the 13th, including "Was Friday the 13th always considered unlucky?" and "Has anything really bad happened on Friday the 13th?" According to the publication, the answer to the former is no, and the answer to the latter is yes, citing examples of tragic plane crashes and avalanche deaths during World War I.
According to the Economic Times, "Friday the 13th is a day that continues to unsettle many around the world." With its dark history and cultural associations, it is unlikely that this date will lose its notoriety anytime soon. As the publication notes, "Friday the 13th is a terrible day," and one that will continue to inspire fear and fascination in equal measure.
