Ever wondered why Friday the 13th gets such a bad rap? Many cultures consider this date unlucky, and some buildings even skip the 13th floor altogether. But what’s the deal with Friday the 13th specifically? Let’s dig into the origins and myths surrounding this notorious day with these 13 intriguing facts.
- Spooky Origins: The whole Friday the 13th thing is linked to the Last Supper, where Judas, the infamous betrayer, was the 13th guest. Sounds like a dinner party disaster!
- Different Superstitions: Not everyone fears Friday the 13th. In Spain and Greece, it’s Tuesday the 13th that’s considered unlucky. Italians, however, are more wary of Friday the 17th.
- Calendar Quirk: For a Friday the 13th to happen, the month has to start on a Sunday. So if you’re into planning, mark your calendar!
- Triple Threat: You could experience up to three Friday the 13ths in a single year. Lucky you!
- Fear Factor: Some people, like horror master Stephen King, have a fear of the number 13, called triskaidekaphobia. And if you’re scared of Friday the 13th specifically, you’ve got paraskevidekatriaphobia. Try saying that out loud!
- Phobia Help: There’s even a “Friggatriskaidekaphobia Treatment Center” near Philadelphia. They help people face their fears—like walking under ladders.
- Literary History: The first Friday the 13th-themed story came out in 1907 by Thomas Lawson, featuring a Wall Street broker causing chaos. He definitely wasn’t feeling lucky.
- Celebrity Birthdays: A few notable folks were born on this date, including Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Steve Buscemi, and Peter Tork. Even Tupac Shakur’s last day was a Friday the 13th.
- Wedding Fun: In Las Vegas, the Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel throws zombie and vampire-themed ceremonies on Friday the 13th. Talk about a unique wedding!
- Asteroid Watch: On April 13, 2029, a large asteroid will make a close pass by Earth. No worries, though—it’s not on a collision course!
- Biker Tradition: Port Dover, Ontario, hosts huge motorcycle rallies every Friday the 13th, a tradition that’s been going strong since 1981.
- Horror Legacy: The “Friday the 13th” franchise boasts 12 films, a TV series, and various comic books. Jason Voorhees’ mask is iconic, but let’s hope he stays in the movies.
- Number Oddity: The number 13 is often viewed as unlucky, while 12 seems to be a favorite—12 months in a year, 12 hours on a clock, and 12 days of Christmas. But 13? That’s usually reserved for witches’ covens. Spooky!
Whether you’re superstitious or just curious, Friday the 13th is packed with fascinating facts and quirky traditions.
