Bizarre And Chilling Facts About Friday 13th

Paraskevidekatriaphobia - The Fear Of The Friday 13th!

Image Source: Reddit

The fear of Friday the 13th is known as: Paraskevidekatriaphobia. Surprisingly, it is one of the most common phobias worldwide, as the fear is (typically) rooted within cultural and/religious beliefs and practices. There are often large communities that are affected by this fear.

Occurrence - How Often Does It Really Come Around?

Image Source: Reddit

It can happen up to three times within a year, but it occurs at least once-a-year. The date can also coincide with certain seasons e.g. halloween, which can garner a lot of mixed reactions. Multiple occurrences of the date, can be considered extremely unlucky by some people.

Unlucky For Some - You Won't Believe Why...

Image Source: Reddit

The number 13 has been considered unlucky in various cultures for centuries, and is included within the common phrase: '13, unlucky for some'. Some people have certain suspicions and superstitions surrounding the number 13, which are often rooted within their cultural beliefs.

Origins - They Will Terrify You!

Image Source: Reddit

The superstition surrounding Friday the 13th, is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages. This was a time when religion was at the centre of living, and dictated the daily routines and rituals of the population. It was also a time when witchcraft was seen as the work of the devil.

Biblical Connection - Friday 13th And The Last Supper...

Image Source: Reddit

Some believe that there were 13 individuals present at the 'Last Supper', with Judas Iscariot being the 13th guest. Friday the 13th has always been a strong source of symbolism within religion, especially Christianity. This is due to the belief that it hold negative connotations.

Norse Mythology

Image Source: Reddit

In Norse mythology, there is a story about a banquet in Valhalla, which is attended by 12 gods. Loki (the trickster god) was not invited, making him the 13th guest, and leading to complete chaos. It is believed to be a similar story to the 'Last Supper', where an 'evil' entity is present.

Spanish Influence

Image Source: Reddit

In Spanish-speaking countries, it is Tuesday the 13th that is considered unlucky, not Friday. For this slight shift in belief, the date may occur slightly more, and certain superstitions etc. will most likely differ. Again, the belief of 13 being unlucky, is probably rooted within religion.

Triskaidekaphobia - Phobias In Abundance!

Image Source: Reddit

Triskaiedekaphobia is the fear of the number 13, and is a common phobia among a variety of people. People with this phobia may have it, as well as the phobia of Friday the 13th, or it may just be a stand-alone phobia. These people will have their set superstitions and rituals, when it comes to appearance of the number.

Fear of Friday...

Image Source: Reddit

As mentioned previously, Paraskavedekatriaphobia is the fear of the actual date: Friday the 13th. As the date can occur multiple times within a year, a person's fear can fluctuate throughout the months, and their rituals may vary. Many people struggle more, if the date occurs within October (leading up to halloween).

Historically unlucky

Image Source: Reddit

Friday has been considered an unlucky day, within western superstition, for centuries. This most likely originated within the Middle Ages, and was passed from generation-to-generation, via the 'teachings' of the bible. Religious practices would increase in severity, during the lead-up to this date.

Unlucky 13th floor

Image Source: Reddit

Many hotels and buildings skip the 13th floor in their numbering, going from 12 to 14. This design and construction-based choice is rooted in ancient superstitions, and the belief that the number 13 is extremely unlucky. Having this number, is believed to increase the unlucky nature of a building.

Stock market

Image Source: Reddit

Some investors have a fear of trading on Friday the 13th, believing it's an unlucky day for the stock market. The belief is rooted within the initial belief, that the number 13 holds negative/unlucky connotations. Investors and traders are consistently trying to boost the stock market, not jeopardize it.

Plane crashes

Image Source: Reddit

Studies have shown that there are fewer people flying on Friday the 13th, leading to fewer plane crashes on that day. As more people refuse to fly on this day, less flights are available to board, meaning that there are less planes present within the air (at the same time).

Popular Culture... The Real Reason For The Fear Of Friday 13th?

Image Source: Reddit

The 'Friday The 13th' movie franchise, featuring the character Jason Vorhees, has contributed to the day's notoriety. It is often considered a staple part of the horror genre, with many works of fiction and movies being based around the date. It is an important date for horror fans.

Haunted Houses... Would You Dare To On This Date?

Image Source: Reddit

Some people believe that haunted houses are more active on Friday the 13th, with urban explorers reporting a spike in paranormal/supernatural occurrences. Among paranormal investigators, it is believed that the connection between the living and spirit world, is stronger on this date.

Full Moon + Friday 13th = Spooky Season

Image Source: Reddit

Occasionally, a full moon coincides with Friday the 13th, which adds to the day's overall mystique. It is common for followers of paganism, and modern-day witches, to participate in certain activities during this time e.g. tarot readings, contacting the dead (ouija boards), creating/casting spells and charging crystals.

Wedding superstitions

Image Source: Reddit

Couples may avoid getting engaged and married on Friday the 13th, fearing bad luck within their relationship/marriage. This is particularly common among religious couples (especially Christians), due to the 'evil' connotations that the day carries e.g. extreme sin.

Rare occurrence

Image Source: Reddit

A Friday the 13th that falls on a month's first day, occurs approximately every 20 years. Despite it being such a rare occurrence, people are still extremely wary of the date. As it only happens every 20 years (roughly), some people may not even experience it within their lifetime.

Origins of unluckiness

Image Source: Reddit

In some cultures, 12 is considered a symbol of completeness, whereas 13 is seen as irregular or incomplete, thus unlucky. This symbolism is typically derived from East Asian culture, religion and beliefs; that have been carried through many generations.

Fear of the unknown

Image Source: Reddit

Many superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th, are rooted in the fear of the unknown, as well as superstitions that have developed and evolved over time. Many of them can be derived from folklore, urban legends and ancient stories (typically originating from the Middle Ages).

Horror novels

Image Source: Reddit

Apart from movies, numerous horror novels and stories have been written, around the theme of Friday the 13th. This is just another way that the day has gained mainstream attention, dividing the opinion of people further. Some believe it is great for creativity, whereas others think otherwise.

Notable events

Image Source: Reddit

Some significant disasters, such as the sinking of the Costa Concordia and the Black Friday bushfires, occurred on Friday the 13th. Some people believe that these are not strange coincidences, and are actually the work of an evil entity; that is only made stronger by the date.

Fearsome animals

Image Source: Reddit

There are quite a few people that fear encountering black cats, owls or other animals associated with superstition, on Friday the 13th. For example, it is believed by some, that a black cat crossing your path is extremely unlucky. These animals symbolise negative foreshadowing.

Tattoo superstitions

Image Source: Reddit

Some tattoo artists refuse to ink the number 13, or the phrase 'Friday The 13th' on this day. This is generally due to personal superstitions, and/or negative past experiences that have occurred on this date. It is a common 'rule' among religious tattoo artists.

Lucky 13

Image Source: Reddit

Despite beliefs of it being unlucky, the number 13 is seen as lucky within some cultures. For example, within Italy 13 is considered extremely lucky, and is said to provide people positivity in abundance e.g. wealth, love, health, longevity and prosperity.

Fear of death

Image Source: Reddit

The 13th card within a Tarot deck is the 'Death' card, which symbolises transformation rather than actual death. However, people that aren't familiar with the practice of tarot reading, often misinterpret this card as something extremely negative e.g. the person is going to experience illness and/or death.

The Knights Templar

Image Source: Reddit

Some people believe that the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th, may have been influenced by the suppression and arrest of the Knights Templar. This event occurred on Friday the 13th October, 1303. The Knights Templar was a Catholic military order.

Mathematical oddity

Image Source: Reddit

There are some mathematicians that consider 13 to be a prime number, and don't actually see it as unlucky. This belief is likely to be rooted in rational thinking, and mathematical knowledge; where numbers are simply just numbers (nothing more, and nothing less).

Fear of the day

Image Source: Reddit

There are certain people that have such a strong fear of Friday the 13th, that they avoid leaving their house entirely. The phobia can be extremely debilitating, and often restricts everyday routines, work and relationships. The phobia can worsen over time as well.

No scientific basis

Image Source: Reddit

Despite all of the superstitions, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that Friday the 13th is any more unlucky, than any other day. For some people it is a source of fear, and for others it is just another day on the calendar. Superstitions vary across cultures, and what one person fears, another may dismiss.