The last Friday the 13th of 2024 has arrived.
Some people consider the day extremely unlucky. And this belief is not new.
There are some mentions in the Bible that may mean something:
• It is believed that Judas, the 13th person at the Last Supper in the Bible, betrayed Jesus.
• Friday: Several disturbing events occurred on this day, including the crucifixion of Jesus.
There are other reasons to be concerned about the number 13 beyond the Bible. According to Norse mythology, Loki, the 13th guest, interrupted the gods’ dinner, plunging the world into darkness.
But the truth is that there is no single, precise explanation for this belief.
Does the number 13 scare you?
Are you worried about Friday the 13th? You may have triskaidekaphobia, or fear of the number 13. Many others share your fear.
But if the number 13 only terrifies you on Fridays, you might have paraskevidekatriaphobia, or fear of Friday the 13th.
According to an online survey conducted by YouGov.com, Americans believe that walking under a ladder brings more bad luck than Friday the 13th. This was the number one fear indicated by the survey.
What are the most searched superstitions by state?
Using a Google search analysis to identify the most common terms and phrases in each state, the 2021 study analyzed over 200 common superstitions.
The most common were:
• Owls are a bad omen
• Unlucky Friday the 13th
• Black cats are bad luck
• Bad luck comes in threes
When is the next Friday the 13th?
The good news is that Fridays falling on the 13th are not very common. Each year, there are usually only two. In 2025, there is only one, fortunately. But in 2026, there will be three, which could be a particularly disturbing year for some.
Source: USA Today