January 13, 2012 Charisse Van Horn reporting- Today is Friday the 13th and for many, it is a day of superstitions, fears, and bad luck. However, have you ever wondered what makes Friday the 13th an unlucky day? Horror movies have jumped in on the hype with the slasher films that launched Kevin Bacon’s career and introduced a generation to the hockey mask wearing Jason. Though the blood curdling series dates back to 1980, the fear surrounding Friday the 13th extends further still. Though the exact origins of Friday the 13th are unclear, there is evidence that the superstition was in effect in the 19th century. Some have linked the superstition to the number 12 as being “completeness” and the number 13 as associated with death.
There were twelve Apostles, twelve tribes of Israel, twelve months in a year, and twelve hours on a clock. In Greek mythology, Mount Olympus features twelve gods, there are twelve days of Christmas, twelve Great Feasts, and in Islam, there are twelve Imams believed to be Muhammad’s successor. Whether religious or mythological, the number 12 is associated with completeness and wholeness. So where does that leave 13?
It appears that Friday may have inadvertently been attached to the number 13, as both were considered unlucky. For instance, it is believed that Jesus Christ was crucified on a Friday, though the day is often referred to as “Good Friday” based upon Jesus’ sacrifice, it is also known as “Black Friday.” Black Friday is associated with negativity and some examples include the Australian bushfires of 1939, the Iranian protesters massacre of 1978, and the 1987 tornado that caused death and destruction in 1987. Many sailors believe it is unlucky to begin a voyage on Friday. Due to the belief that both Fridays and the number 13 are unlucky, Friday the 13th is basically believed to be two unlucky days occurring at the same time.
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