13/09/2024

Friday 13th: Origin and Myths

Hey there, brave souls! Have you ever heard people talk about how unlucky Friday the 13th is? Some folks avoid making big plans, others stay extra cautious! But where did all these strange ideas about Friday the 13th come from? Let’s dive into some of the spooky myths and wild facts surrounding this mysterious day!

Number 13

First up, the number 13 has always had a bit of a bad reputation. Many people consider it unlucky because, in ancient times, it was believed that 12 was a perfect number (think 12 months of the year, 12 hours on the clock). So, 13 was seen as odd and, well, unlucky! Some buildings even skip the 13th floor entirely. Ever noticed an elevator that jumps from 12 to 14? Yep, that's why!

Middle Age

Some historians believe that Friday the 13th got its reputation from October 13, 1307, when King Philip IV of France ordered the arrest of the Knights Templar, a powerful group of warriors. Many of them were imprisoned or killed, and ever since, some people have thought of Friday the 13th as an unlucky day of betrayal and doom.

But here’s a fun fact: not everyone fears Friday the 13th! In Italy, for example, the number 13 is actually considered lucky! Instead, it's Friday the 17th that gives people the creeps. Who knew?

Norse Mythology

But why Friday the 13th? Well, this superstition goes way back to Norse mythology. According to legend, 12 gods were having a dinner party in Valhalla when Loki, the trickster god, crashed the party as the 13th guest. After that, chaos broke out, and bad luck was blamed on the uninvited 13th guest. Talk about an awkward dinner!

 Pagan tradition

If we dig deeper, though, we also find evidence that both Fridays and the number 13 have long been regarded as a sign of good fortune connecting to the lunar cycles in a calendar year. In pagan religions, for instance, Friday is believed to have a unique association with the goddess of the divine feminine.

So, there you have it, thrill-seekers! Friday the 13th may be filled with spooky stories and old myths, but it’s all just in good fun. Whether you believe in its unlucky reputation or not, it’s a day full of mystery, history, and a little bit of excitement! Keep your eyes peeled – you never know what surprises might come your way!