WNCTIMES
Serving The Citizens of Western North Carolina Since 1995 
How to resolve AdBlock issue? Friday the 13th Origin. Why it's Unlucky.
The Fear of 13
Just like walking under a ladder, crossing paths with a black cat or breaking a mirror, many people hold fast to the belief that Friday the 13th brings bad luck. Though it's uncertain exactly when this particular tradition began, negative superstitions have swirled around the number 13 for centuries.
While Western cultures have historically associated the number 12 with completeness (there are 12 days of Christmas, 12 months and zodiac signs, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 gods of Olympus and 12 tribes of Israel, just to name a few examples), its successor 13 has a long history as a sign of bad luck.
The ancient Code of Hammurabi, for example, reportedly omitted a 13th law from its list of legal rules. Though this was probably a clerical error, superstitious people sometimes point to this as proof of 13's longstanding negative associations.
Fear of the number 13 has even earned a psychological term: triskaidekaphobia.
Why is Friday the 13th Unlucky?
According to biblical tradition, 13 guests attended the Last Supper, held on Maundy Thursday, including Jesus and his 12 apostles (one of whom, Judas, betrayed him). The next day, of course, was Good Friday, the day of Jesus' crucifixion.
The seating arrangement at the Last Supper is believed to have given rise to a longstanding Christian superstition that having 13 guests at a table was a bad omen—specifically, that it was courting death.
Why is Friday the 13th Unlucky?
According to biblical tradition, 13 guests attended the Last Supper, held on Maundy Thursday, including Jesus and his 12 apostles (one of whom, Judas, betrayed him). The next day, of course, was Good Friday, the day of Jesus' crucifixion.
The seating arrangement at the Last Supper is believed to have given rise to a longstanding Christian superstition that having 13 guests at a table was a bad omen—specifically, that it was courting death.
Author
History.com Editors
Website Name
HISTORY
URL
https://www.history.com/topics/folklore/friday-the-13th
When you subscribe to the blog, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them.
About the author
Marge
Achievements
The Stay-at-Home Bravecation: Unplug, Rewind, and Recharge Right Here in WNC
"Bravecations"—getting out and exploring the incredible resilience and beauty of Western North Carolina post-Hurricane Helene, even on a budget. But sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is slo...
Big Changes Proposed for NC School Libraries
Ever wonder how the books end up on the shelves in your kid's school library? Usually, it involves trained librarians and teachers picking books they think fit the curriculum and are right for differe...
Bravecations: Rediscover Western North Carolina with Budget-Friendly Adventures
After the challenges brought by Hurricane Helene, Western North Carolina's communities and local businesses are eager to welcome residents and visitors alike. Now is the perfect time to embark on a "B...
Mountain Moods
Because in These Hills, You Can Laugh, Cry, and Rebuild—All in a DayThe air's been thick lately in alot of places —with smoke, yes, but also grit and grace.We've been through it: Hurricane Helene...
Less is Now: Spring Cleaning with Purpose
Inspired by The Minimalists and that nagging pile of stuff you keep ignoring If you've watched The Minimalists: Less Is Now on Netflix, you know exactly where I'm going with this. Joshua Fields Millbu...