Today reawakens old prejudice on one of the long-standing superstitious myths in Western society. Although in Greek tradition this ill-fated day is historically linked to Tuesday the 13th, the world has popularized Friday as the official day of bad luck. It goes as far as having its own psychological term, namely paraskavedekatriaphobia.

Historical origins

The most prevalent historical version for the establishment of the prejudice is traced back to the 14th century. On Friday, October 13, 1307, King Philip IV of France issued an order for the simultaneous arrest of the members of the powerful order of the Knights Templar.

The Knights, including the Grand Master Jacques de Molay, were subjected to harsh torture and forced to confess heresies, eventually leading to their execution by burning. The violent dissolution of the order and the veil of mystery surrounding their extermination is considered by many historians and scholars to be the root of the infamous reputation that has since followed this specific date in Western Europe.

Biblical and symbolic origins

In Christian tradition, Friday is associated with the crucifixion of Christ, a day of immense suffering and loss. Additionally, in the Old Testament, Friday is linked to the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Eden and the beginning of the Great Flood.

The number 13 is seen as disruptive in numerology. While the number 12 represents harmony and completeness—seen in the 12 Olympian gods, the 12 tribes of Israel, and the 12 apostles of Christ—13 is believed to break this balance. The addition of 13 signifies a shift into chaos and the unknown, giving rise to the idea of Friday the 13th as an ominous day.

Global spread and influence of the superstition

Superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th spread globally, largely due to the influence of pop culture. By the 19th century, the belief had become widespread in English-speaking countries, but it gained significant momentum in the 1980s with the success of the Friday the 13th horror film franchise. The films popularized the day as a symbol of fear, cementing its place in modern superstition.

The superstition surrounding Friday the 13th didn’t just stay in the realm of folklore and film—it even found its way into the digital age. In 1988, a computer virus named “Friday 13th” was discovered in Israel. This virus was programmed to activate on the infamous day, causing malfunctions in computer systems and reminding the world that ancient fears could still influence even the most modern technologies.

Friday the 13th continues to capture the imagination of people worldwide, serving as a reminder of how deeply historical, cultural, and technological factors can shape a superstition that transcends time.