MAIN Society Urban Legends Friday The 13th

Be careful. It's Friday the 13th!

Generations of people have lived their whole lives fearing that on that fateful day some unlucky circumstance will befall them.

Why Friday the 13th?

13 has been associated with bad luck since the time of Christ, when the Last Supper was attended by Jesus and his 12 apostles. The 13th and last member to arrive is traditionally believed to be Judas the betrayer.

Later, Friday became the Christian observance now known as Good Friday marking the day Christ was crucified.

Centuries later, the superstitious Middle Ages did nothing to dispel the notion that the day was unlucky. That's when medieval King Philip of France began rounding up the Knights Templar for fear that they had become too powerful. Torture and eventual execution befell the revered and much-beloved group soon after the arrests began on Friday the 13th, 1306.

Unlucky 13

Today, the dual superstitions of Bad Luck Friday and the "unlucky" 13 are fairly entrenched throughout many countries and cultures.

Buildings and skyscrapers will often skip the 13th floor, going straight from 12 to 14. Similarly, airlines often avoid the number altogether for airplane rows or arrival gates.

Weddings plans, new job start dates, or any other auspicious occasion are usually planned to avoid the 13th day of the month and, especially Friday the 13th, to ensure good fortune.

Friday the 13th Cometh ...

When is Friday the 13th?

The number of times Friday the 13th occurs varies from year to year. In 2008, it occurred only once, on June 13th. In 2009, Friday the 13th occurs three times – on February 13, March 13 and November 13.

In 2010, it occurs only once again – on August 13.

All told, Friday the 13th is based solely on traditional fears and and old wives tales. Much like walking under a ladder, spilling salt, or having a black cat cross your path, Friday the 13th has never been scientifically proven to bring bad luck or mishaps. But why tempt fate? Irrational, maybe, but it never hurts to take extra care on Friday the 13th, just in case.

Anything really important can always wait until Monday!

More about Friday the 13th around the Web:

Friday the 13th - Wikipedia

Freaky Friday - superstitions behind Friday the 13th

Kids Turn Central - Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th E-Cards

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