It’s Friday the 13th–which to be honest, I am not terribly superstitious, so it means very little to me. I’ll walk under ladders with reckless abandon, I see black cats as someone’s pet, and if it rains indoors, you better believe I’ll pop open an umbrella {because if it’s raining indoors, it seems like bad luck has already reared its ugly head}. Still, have you ever wondered where bad juju associated with Friday the 13th even come from? I love finding out where all of our little “cultural quirks” come from. So, here’s a little Friday the 13th trivia to keep you in the know:
- The origins of the bad vibes aren’t known exactly. Some historians believe it’s from the Last Supper. There were 13 guests {Judas being considered the unlucky 13th guest}. Jesus was crucified on a Friday. The two were merged into an unlucky omen, but no one knows exactly how or when…the first mention of them together didn’t appear until the 19th century.
- In the Middle Ages, people considered Fridays unlucky. People never started a journey on Fridays, and weddings were never held on Fridays.
- According to Wikipedia, “The fear of the number 13 has been given a scientific name: ‘triskaidekaphobia’; and…the fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia.” You know what scares me? The fact that there is an actual phobia for these…what’s the name for the fear of the fact that we need a name for this phobia?
- In Italy, Friday the 17th is considered unlucky, not the 13th.
- According the Otis Elevators company, 85% of buildings with elevators do not include a “13th floor.” Opting instead to skip right to the 14th floor or naming the 13th floor 12A.
Now that you have a little light-hearted dinner conversation, I have to ask, do you believe the day is unlucky?
~Mavis
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Jonnie says
No, I do not believe Friday the 13th is an unlucky day. Never have, and never will. That is just as crazy as, sweep under a woman’s feet, and she’ll never marry, or sweep the top of a man’s feet, and he will go to jail. Or, don’t sweep the dust out the door, or you’ll sweep out all of your luck. Those and so many more , spill or drop food, while you are cooking, or serving means company is coming, and they will be hungry. If your nose itches, company is coming. If you are talking to someone, but call them another name. The person whose name you called is thinking about you, or talking about you. Some people take them too seriously. Just relax and enjoy the day.
Dale says
My favorite story of the origins of un-lucky Friday the 13th is “At dawn on Friday, October 13, 1307, scores of French Templars were simultaneously arrested by agents of King Philip, later to be tortured in locations such as the tower at Chinon and then executed. Bad day for them!
Mavis says
Interesting. Never heard this one. Bad day for them is right! Yikes.
Lisa Millar says
I was just about to write this down, Dale beat me to it!
Our Friday the 13th is done and dusted and it was a lovely day! Gorgeous weather and a beautiful hike in a National Park! No worries! 🙂
Pam says
I can’t say that I’m superstitious. Murphy (we all know Murphy – he has a law named after him!) is a permanent resident in my home – has been for decades. He assures me that the “Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong” rule has me covered – regardless of the day/date.
Mavis says
Oh that Murphy. Little rascal. Ha!
ConnieP says
To answer your question … nope. Every day that you wake up is the beginning of new possibilities.
Mavis says
Love this mantra!
karen r. says
I absolutely love the number 13. My daughter was born on the 13th of a month so it is awesome:)
Mavis says
That completely changes it from unlucky to lucky if you ask me!
Marcia says
So today is my big boy’s 9th birthday. Also, my husband and I got married on the 13th of a different month. So, 13 is a good number for me!
It was also my HS volleyball number. 🙂
Ranee says
Not likely as I am living with two female felines. They do not seem to be my familiars either. Heh 😉
Adopt black cats, people. They are extra frisky and full of fun!
Ramona says
I had a black cat that followed me around block when I took my son on walks. I saw a couple also out for a walk and the lady started jumping back and forth and going in peoples yards. As we got closer she said she was scared of my cat crossing near her. It was pretty funny watching her moving all over the place.
Linda says
That cat looks exactly like my cat Jack!!! He went missing for a few hours today, we have workers here and I thought maybe he got out !! But he showed up ! Yea!!! No I don’t believe in bad luck on the 13 th!
Debbie says
I was born on Friday the 13th, consider it my lucky day.
charwelsh says
I’ve had black cats my whole adult life and they are the BEST! Kee-Kee and Merlot are my current black babies. C’mon people – adopt them from a shelter. Unfortunately, they are chosen to be adopted the least and some reside in shelters for years! I think they are GOOD luck.