The origins and fears behind Friday the 13th

By Emily Haberman

Friday the 13th was once a normal, unrecognizable day instead of the spooky cliche that it is today. Black cats, dangerous ladders, broken mirrors, and even open umbrellas indoors are enduring superstitions; so how does Friday the 13th come into play?

Many believe that the number thirteen itself is unlucky, not just when it happens to fall on a Friday. Even Babylon’s Code of Hammurabi, from 18th century B.C.E., makes no reference to the number in its list of laws.

Further, a legend stemming from the Last Supper when Jesus dined with the Apostles states that if thirteen people dine together, one will die within the year. This idea is found, too, in viking mythology when Loki, the god of evil and turmoil, was the become the thirteenth guest at Odin’s dinner. Rumors also tell that there were thirteen steps traditionally leading to the hangmans noose, though it was actually closer to 8 steps. The unlucky legend of the number has even worked its way into children's’ shows like Spongebob where Mr. Krabs declares that there are thirteen “dirty words” that are never to be spoken.

The fear of Friday the 13th has earned its own medical term: paraskevidekatriaphobia. This phobia however is only popular in America and England. Italians are typically more concerned with Friday the 17th, though younger generations are leaning toward paraskevidekatriaphobia with the popularity of the 1980 movie featuring a serial killer that is active on this date. Similarly, Spanish speaking countries are superstitious on Tuesdays which are thought to be dominated by Ares, the god of war.