Why is Friday thirteenth unfortunate? As origins of historic ‘curse’ lastly unveiled
Friday 13th is considered an unlucky day but we want to know if there is any ‘truth’ to this folklore. Well, we’ve done a bit of digging to find out about the centuries old alleged ‘curse’
Friday 13th is a date steeped in superstition and associated with misfortune due to an ancient curse.
For those who are superstitious, the sight of this date on the calendar can induce unease, prompting fears of disaster if they dare to leave their homes on this allegedly cursed day, which falls today on Friday, December 13.
While globally recognised as an unlucky day, some may wonder why this specific date has gained such notoriety over the years.
This calendar event has permeated popular culture, featuring in numerous songs and even inspiring horror films bearing its name. But what makes this particular date so ill-fated?
Here, we and The Mirror take a look into the superstition and explore the fear of the ‘unlucky’ day, also known as Friggatriskaidekaphobia…
Why is Friday the 13th ‘unlucky’?
There are various theories explaining why Friday the 13th is widely regarded as an unlucky day, but trisadekaphobia – the fear of the number 13 – is a well-established concept.
Fear of Friday the 13th even has its own term: paraskevidekatriaphobia, or Friggatriskaidekaphobia – ‘Frigga’ being the Norse goddess whose name translates to ‘Friday’.
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These fears are thought to originate from biblical times. Specifically, there were 13 attendees at the Last Supper – Jesus and his 12 disciples – on Maundy Thursday.
Consequently, the number 13 has been linked with Judas Escariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus.
One theory tracing the origins of Friday the 13th as a day of bad luck links it to the downfall of the Knights Templar, a Catholic military order during the Middle Ages. The French king Philip IV arrested hundreds of Knights Templar on Friday, October 13th in 1307.
It’s believed that the Knights Templar were apprehended under the command of Pope Clement V, who accused them of financial and moral corruption, seemingly without any solid evidence. These allegations were reportedly based on confessions obtained through torture.
As he faced execution by burning at the stake in Paris, Jacques de Molay, the Grand Master of the order, is said to have cursed those who persecuted the Knights Templar.
Some believe this curse led to every subsequent Friday the 13th being associated with misfortune.
However, other nations consider different dates to be unlucky. For instance, in Italy, Friday the 17th is seen as a foreboding date, while Tuesday the 13th holds a similar reputation in Spanish folklore.
Let us know in the comments if you think Friday the 13th is unlucky – do you have any rituals on this day?
