Manashimaya
Although Friday the 13th has always been associated with ill luck, have you ever pondered why? Investigating the roots of this superstition reveals a synthesis of contemporary pop culture, religious knowledge, and old mythology, all of which have contributed to its rise to prominence in our society. Let’s examine the unlucky beginnings of Friday the 13th and see why it has captured people’s imaginations for decades on Defy Superstition Day.
The unlucky origins of Friday the 13th begin with the fear of the number 13. Across many cultures, the number 13 has been considered unlucky, and this belief can be traced back to Norse mythology. According to legend, the mischievous god Loki disrupted a divine banquet at Valhalla as the 13th uninvited guest. His arrival led to the death of the beloved god Balder, casting a dark shadow over the number 13. This incident is often viewed as the start of 13’s association with bad fortune. By examining these unlucky origins, we can understand why people still tread cautiously on Friday the 13th.
When it comes to Friday the 13th, religious lore also plays a significant role. In Christian tradition, the Last Supper, attended by 13 individuals, is a key moment. Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus, was the 13th guest, and Jesus was crucified the following day—Good Friday. These unlucky origins connected Fridays and the number 13 with sorrow and betrayal, deeply embedding them into the cultural fabric of the Western world.
While Friday and 13 are unlucky on their own, when combined, they seem to spell double trouble. Some of the most infamous biblical events allegedly took place on a Friday, including Adam and Eve’s expulsion from Eden, Abel’s murder by Cain, and the collapse of the Temple of Solomon. These stories further contributed to the unlucky origins of Friday the 13th. A 1907 novel by Thomas William Lawson titled Friday, the Thirteenth portrayed the day as one rife with financial ruin, reinforcing the fear of this date in modern times.
Yet, not all cultures view Friday or the number 13 negatively. In Pagan traditions, Fridays were associated with feminine energy, love, and fertility. The goddess Frigg (or Frigga) ruled over marriage and motherhood, casting Fridays in a more positive light. Similarly, the ancient sculpture Venus of Laussel depicts a woman holding a horn with 13 carved lines, symbolising fertility and lunar cycles. These details reveal that the unlucky origins of Friday the 13th may be more a matter of perspective than fact.
Pop culture has also played a part in maintaining the superstition. The iconic Friday the 13th film franchise, first released in 1980, dramatised the day as one of terror and doom. However, for some, 13 is a lucky number. Pop star Taylor Swift, for instance, associates 13 with positive moments in her career and life, proving that the unlucky origins of Friday the 13th are far from universal.
So, while Friday the 13th may be a day of anxiety for some, Defy Superstition Day offers a chance to challenge these unlucky origins and see the day from a new perspective.
