Ancient Origins of Friday the 13th
The history of Friday the 13th as a day of superstition and bad luck can be traced back to ancient times. The number 13 has long been considered unlucky, possibly dating back to the Last Supper, where 13 people were present at the table (12 disciples and Jesus). Additionally, Friday has also been considered an unlucky day, possibly due to the crucifixion of Jesus on a Friday.
Combining these two elements, Friday the 13th has become a day of fear and superstition for many. Some people refuse to leave their homes, make important decisions, or even get out of bed on Friday the 13th. This fear is known as friggatriskaidekaphobia, a term derived from the Norse goddess Frigga and the word triskaidekaphobia, meaning fear of the number 13.
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Friday the 13th in Popular Culture
The modern association of Friday the 13th with horror can be traced back to the publication of Thomas W. Lawson’s novel “Friday, the Thirteenth” in 1907. The book tells the story of a stockbroker who uses the superstition surrounding the day to create chaos on Wall Street. The novel was a bestseller and cemented the connection between Friday the 13th and bad luck in the public consciousness.
In 1980, the Friday the 13th film franchise was released, solidifying the connection between the day and horror in popular culture. The series, which features a masked killer named Jason Voorhees, has since become one of the most successful horror franchises of all time.
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embracing Friday the 13th as a Day of Celebrations
While Friday the 13th is still considered an unlucky day by many, it has also been embraced by some as a day to celebrate all things spooky and supernatural. Whether you’re afraid of the day or not, it’s hard to deny the impact it has had on culture and society throughout history.
References:
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- “Friday the 13th: Origins and History” by Live Science
- “Friday the 13th: The Origins of the Day’s Myths and Misconceptions” by History.com