Friday the 13th, a date that strikes fear into the hearts of many, has an extensive history intertwined with superstition and dread. The fear of this day is deeply rooted in history and has been perpetuated through various events and cultural beliefs.
The fear of this day is known as “paraskevidekatriaphobia,” which combines “paraskevi” (Friday in Greek) and “dekatria” (thirteen in Greek). There are several historical events and beliefs that have contributed to the reputation of Friday the 13th as an ominous date:
1. The Last Supper: A Biblical Connection
Friday’s association with misfortune finds its roots in Christian tradition. According to the Bible, the Last Supper, a pivotal event where Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, unfolded on a Thursday evening. Subsequently, Jesus was crucified on the following day, which, as fate would have it, was a Friday. The Christian narrative linking a significant religious event to a day of doom plays a crucial role in shaping the perception of Friday the 13th.
2. Norse Mythology: Loki’s Mischief
Norse mythology contributes to the unease surrounding the number 13. In one myth, a banquet took place in Valhalla, attended by 12 gods. Loki, the trickster deity, crashed the gathering as the uninvited 13th guest, sowing discord that ultimately led to the tragic death of the beloved god Balder. This story adds to the cultural foundation of fearing the number 13.
3. The Knights Templar: A Dark Chapter
The infamous Friday the 13th of October 1307 brought about the downfall of the Knights Templar, a powerful medieval Christian military order. On that ill-fated day, King Philip IV of France ordered the mass arrest of Templar members, initiating a dark period of persecution and the eventual suppression of the order. The historical significance of this event further strengthens the idea of Friday the 13th as a day of misfortune.
4. The Hangman’s Favourite Day:
It is said in history that due to its rare occurrence, Friday the 13th was often chosen as the day to conduct executions back in medieval ages. Some historical accounts suggest that this is also a reason that showed Friday the 13th as a bad omen.
5. Numerology and Folk Beliefs: A Disruptive Number
The fear of Friday the 13th is deeply tied to numerology and folk beliefs. In numerous cultures, the number 12 is regarded as a symbol of completeness and harmony. The number 13, on the other hand, is perceived as disruptive, unsettling the balance of the perfect 12. Several building have also reportedly skipped the 13th floor. This imbalance fuels the belief in the ill fortune associated with Friday the 13th.
6. Literature and Popular Culture: Shaping Modern Beliefs
The 20th century played a pivotal role in popularising the superstition of Friday the 13th. In 1907, Thomas W. Lawson authored a novel titled “Friday, the Thirteenth,” in which a stockbroker manipulated the superstition to create a financial panic on Wall Street. This novel, along with subsequent works of fiction, has reinforced the modern belief in the ill luck of this date.
7. Psychological Effect: The Power of Belief
Researchers suggest that the fear of Friday the 13th may exert a psychological influence on individuals, making them more prone to accidents or anxiety due to their belief in the superstition. This underscores the profound impact that cultural superstitions can have on human behaviour.
8. Shipwreck in Recent History:
The maritime domain has not been spared from the fear of Friday the 13th. Several shipwrecks and maritime disasters that transpired on Fridays with the date 13 have contributed to the superstition. Among them, the sinking of the Costa Concordia on a Friday, January 13, 2012 stands out as a tragic reminder. It is to be noted that this year had a January 13th which was a Friday.
9. Apollo 13:
The Apollo 13 mission, though launched on April 11, 1970, encountered a critical technical failure on April 13th. This ill-fated event, though not on a Friday, significantly added to the negative connotations associated with the number 13.
10. Horror Movies:
The “Friday the 13th” film franchise, initiated in 1980, introduced the menacing hockey-masked killer, Jason Voorhees. He terrorised campers at the infamous Crystal Lake, further perpetuating the superstition.
11. Economic Impact:
In some cases, businesses may experience a decrease in sales or productivity on Friday the 13th, as customers and employees may be more cautious or superstitious on this day.
12. Medical Ailments:
Some people with paraskevidekatriaphobia may avoid medical procedures, surgeries, or even traveling on Friday the 13th due to the fear of negative outcomes, although there is no scientific basis for such beliefs.
13. Research and Studies:
Researchers have conducted various studies on Friday the 13th, trying to determine if there are any statistical anomalies on this date. Some studies have suggested that there may be a slight increase in accidents and hospital admissions on this day, although the results are inconclusive.
The superstition surrounding Friday the 13th is steeped in centuries of historical events, cultural beliefs, and the influence of literature and popular culture. While the fear of this day is not universal and varies across cultures, the superstition remains prevalent in many parts of the world.
Regardless of personal beliefs, the historical legacy of Friday the 13th as an ominous date is indelible, continuing to captivate the human imagination and keeping the date forever etched as a superstitious one.
At the end of the day, it is only the human mind that perceives a day as good or bad.