Friday the 13th has long been considered an unlucky or strange day by various cultures around the world. The superstitions surrounding this day and the number 13 are deeply ingrained in popular culture. Some believe that these superstitions are rooted in the Bible’s description of the Last Supper with the Twelve Apostles, as detailed in John Chapter 13. Others, like singer Taylor Swift, find the number 13 to be lucky. Taylor Swift has attributed many positive events in her life to the number 13, such as winning awards while seated in the 13th seat or row.
In pop culture, the number 13 is often associated with the horror film franchise “Friday the 13th,” featuring the fictional killer Jason Voorhees. The franchise includes 12 movies released between 1980 and 2009, as well as a crossover film with Freddy Krueger from “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” Disney has even incorporated the number 13 into its theme park attractions, such as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride, where a posted 13-minute wait time sign indicates zero wait time.
Superstitious fears surrounding Friday the 13th are prevalent in society. Triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number 13, affects up to 10% of the U.S. population, while paraskevidekatriaphobia, the fear of Friday the 13th, affects even more individuals. These fears can result in financial losses of over $800 million for businesses each year, as some individuals avoid events and travel on this day. Additionally, more than 80% of high-rise buildings in the U.S. do not have a 13th floor due to superstition.
Despite the superstitious fears surrounding Friday the 13th, notable historical moments have occurred on this day. For example, on a Friday, Jan. 13, 1128, Pope Honorious II recognized the Knights Templar as an “Army of God.” In more recent history, on April 13, 1970, crew members aboard the Apollo 13 spacecraft survived an explosion in one of the vessel’s oxygen tanks, which prevented them from completing their mission. Other historical events on Friday the 13th include Buckingham Palace being bombed in 1940 and two plane crashes in 1972.
Overall, Friday the 13th continues to be a day surrounded by superstitions and fear, but it has also been the setting for significant historical moments and is deeply rooted in popular culture. Despite the negative connotations associated with the day, some individuals, like Taylor Swift, believe that the number 13 can bring luck and positive outcomes. Whether one chooses to embrace or avoid the superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th, the day remains a fascinating and mysterious date on the calendar.
