Issue of the day Take care, it’s Friday the 13th

IT is a day historically considered to be a harbinger of bad luck, but where does the dark shadow looming over Friday the 13th originate?

It’s Friday the 13th!

Yes, it’s today, if you had not already realised. The more superstitious among us may take particular care not to walk under any ladders or break a mirror today of all days, aware that this date carries with it the portent of bad luck.

Since when?

It is not certain exactly when this gloomy tradition took flight, but negative superstitions have been associated with the number 13 for centuries. In fact, many relate it back to the bible when 13 attended The Last Supper – Jesus and his 12 disciples, with Judas said to be the 13th guest to sit down at the table. Meanwhile, in Norse mythology, a dinner party of the gods was ruined by an uninvited 13th guest – Loki – who caused the world to fall into darkness after shooting a god of gladness, Balder the Beautiful.

And a Friday came into it when…? …if you date the superstition back to Christian tradition, it is said Jesus was crucified on a Friday, while Friday was also said to be the day Eve gave Adam the apple from the Tree of Knowledge and was also the fateful day Cain killed his brother, Abel.

Telling a tale?

In Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, written in the 14th Century, he says “and on a Friday fell all this mischance”.

In the movies?

Friday the 13th is also an American horror franchise, featuring 12 slasher films, a TV series, books, games and comics, focusing on the fictional character of Jason, thought to have drowned as a boy at summer camp. The movies have grossed over $468 million at the box-office worldwide.

How often does it fall?

The 13th falls on a Friday in any month beginning on a Sunday, taking place at least once a year, with today this year’s only Friday the 13th, while two are due next year, on January 13 and October 13.

Elsewhere?

In Spanish-speaking countries, instead of Fridays, Tuesday the 13th is considered a day of bad luck.

It could be simple? Thomas Fernsler, an associate policy scientist at the University of Delaware, believes 13 is seen as unlucky because it follows the “perfect” number 12 – 12 months in a year, 12 zodiac signs and 12 apostles, for example.

Meanwhile?

Fear of Friday the 13th is known as paraskavedekatriaphobia, which might also spark fear in those trying to pronounce it.