Friday the 13th: Where does the superstition come from?

Friday the 13th is a day that many people associate with bad luck. But where does this superstition come from?

The origins of the Friday the 13th superstition are likely due to a combination of factors, including:

• Christian beliefs: In the Bible, Jesus had 12 disciples, and the 13th guest at the Last Supper was Judas, who betrayed him. Jesus was also crucified on a Friday.
• Norse mythology: In Norse mythology, there were 12 gods who had a dinner party in Valhalla. The trickster god Loki, who was not invited, arrived as the 13th guest and arranged for Höðr to shoot Balder with a mistletoe-tipped arrow, killing him.
• Triskaidekaphobia: This is the fear of the number 13, and it is a common phobia. There are many theories about why people have a fear of 13, but some believe it is due to the association of 13 with death and bad luck in many cultures.
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The Friday the 13th superstition began to gain popularity in the late 19th century. In 1869, Thomas W. Lawson published a novel called "Friday, the Thirteenth," which told the story of a stockbroker who tries to corner the gold market on a Friday the 13th. The novel was a bestseller, and it helped to cement the Friday the 13th superstition in popular culture.

The Friday the 13th superstition has been further popularized by movies and television shows, such as the "Friday the 13th" horror film franchise. Today, many people still believe that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day. Some people avoid making important decisions or taking risks on Friday the 13th. Others may take extra precautions to avoid bad luck, such as staying home from work or school.

While there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day, the superstition remains popular. For many people, Friday the 13th is a day to be extra cautious and to be aware of the potential for bad luck.