Our superstitions can have strong holds on us and many people feel that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day. Keep in mind that, “tomorrow is another day,” and that things will work out. And remember, Friday the 13th is only one day long.
History
According to Time in partnership with CNN, some historians feel that 13 often referred to as an unlucky number, dates back to before 1700 BC since, “the ancient Babylon’s Code of Hammurabi omits the number thirteen in its lists of laws.” An article in National Geographic’s Daily News states that 13 may be unlucky because it comes after the number 12, which numerologists consider a “complete” number. Fear of the number 13 is called triskaidekaphobia
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Friday has been considered an unlucky day because many scholars believe Eve tempted Adam with the apple on a Friday, Jesus Christ was crucified on a Friday, and that Abel was killed by his brother Cain on Friday the 13th.
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When Did Friday the 13th Become a Day of Bad Luck?
Thomas Lawson, a Boston stockbroker, published his novel Friday the Thirteenth in 1907. It was about, “an evil businessman’s attempt to crash the stock market on the unluckiest day of the month.” The book was very popular and was made into a silent movie in 1916. Friday the 13th has been generally accepted as an unlucky day since that time.
An estimated 17-21 million Americans have a phobia about Friday the 13th that causes them to feel anxious, rearrange schedules and miss work. Many people refuse to travel, invest, or make big purchases such as buying a home on this day. For more Friday the 13th myths, click here.
The Movies
In 1980, Paramount Pictures released the horror film, Friday the 13th. It was so successful that many more scary Friday the 13th films followed. No wonder so many people don’t like and are afraid of Friday the 13th!
