Friday the 13th:  A Day Steeped in Superstition and Fear

By Gianna Gerbick

Friday the 13th is a date that has been known to be a day of bad luck, superstition, and fear. This day occurs at least once every year, sometimes up to three times. While for many it is just another day, others approach it with caution, attributing misfortune or even danger to this particular combination of day and date. Where did this fear come from, and how much truth is behind this day? 

Many people believe that the fear of Friday the 13th is a classic example of a social construct – an idea that persists because of tradition, folklore, and media influence, not because of any real dangers.

Many still believe that Friday the 13th is unlucky. Whether they grew up hearing stories about unfortunate events occurring on this date, or they have personal experiences that seem to align with the superstition. 

History.com mentioned for the unlucky nature of the number “13” is a myth about 12 gods having a dinner party in Valhalla. The god Loki, who was not invited, arrived as the 13th guest, and arranged for Höðr to shoot Balder with a mistletoe-tipped arrow. some believe Dossey said, “Balder died, and the whole Earth got dark. The whole Earth mourned. It was a bad, unlucky day.” This major event in Norse mythology caused the number 13 to be considered unlucky.

In some cultures, even Friday is an unlucky day for them, because of its connection to the crucifixion of Jesus. Also, in medieval times, Fridays were regarded as an unfavorable day for beginning new ventures or undertakings. 

When Friday and the number 13 come together, the result is a double dose of bad luck, superstition, and fear for some.

Friday the 13th has become a cultural icon, largely thanks to the long-running horror franchise that began with the film Friday the 13th in 1980. The series, featuring the masked killer Jason Voorhees, cemented the date in popular imagination as a time of terror and mayhem. Other movies, books, and television shows have also capitalized on the fear surrounding Friday the 13th. 

Even though some people believe and some don’t, Friday the 13th will always be a day full of superstition, fear, and a day filled with bad luck, for some.