Friday the 13th is considered one of the spookiest days of the calendar, and there’s a lot of bad omens associated with it. In fact, this is a tradition that has been running in Western society for decades. Every Friday the 13th, you’ll find even the most educated people keeping an eye out for weird charms, black cats, and anything that screams EVIL.
But what makes Friday the 13th so infamous? We take a look at the origins of this dark day, and how it has come to influence our society as we know it!
So, What Makes Friday the 13th So Scary?
The exact moment that Friday the 13th became a day synonymous with evil is unknown, though many historians deduce that it could have originated during the height of the Roman empire. It is believed that Friday the 13th was the day that Jesus Christ was crucified. Others believe that Jesus had invited 13 guests during his final meal, or what is infamously known as the Last Supper.
Another suggestion more likely connected with modern times is from Thomas Lewson’s 1907 short story by the name Friday the Thirteenth. The premise of the story centers around a Wall Street Broker who goes rogue and decides to wreak havoc on the US Stock markets. His plan take places on Friday the 13th.
Why Are People Mortified by Friday the 13th?
Believe it or not, there is actually a diagnosed phobia for fearing this particular day known as Friggatriskaidekaphobia…see if you can pronounce that 😉
This particular phobia traces its roots to Greek and Norse languages. The first part of the word, frigg, is actually derived from the Norse Goddesss Freya, whom the day Friday was named after. In Greek, the word “triskaideka” means “thirteen” and the word “phobia” means “fear.” Interestingly, Italian culture adores Friday the 13th, and they actually consider it to be a luck day on the calendar. The ominous day in Italy is considered to be Friday the 17th. This is because in Roman numerals, 17 is XVII, which when interchanged to VIXI means, I have lied.
How Friday the 13th Affects Daily Life
A number of studies have shown that Friday the 13th has serious implications on businesses especially in the West. One particular industry that reports massive losses is the airline industry, which is known to receive a major blow because most people are reluctant to fly on Friday the 13th.
How Does Friday the 13th Occur?
For Friday the 13th to fall on the calendar, the month must begin on a Sunday. Additionally, when a year starts on a Thursday, it means that the months of November, February, and March of that year are certain to have a Friday the 13th. Friday the 13th occurs three times in a year after every 28 years. The last one was in 2015, so expect the next one to take place in 2026.
