Friday the 13th: A hauntingly good tale of myths and modern fun!

Friday the 13th is famous for being a day linked with bad luck and fear. This belief has roots in history, religion and mythology and it has become even more popular because of movies and stories. But what is it about this day that makes it so special?

Religious and mythical roots

The idea that Friday the 13th is unlucky has connections to religion and mythology. In Christianity, the Last Supper had 13 guests with Judas, the betrayer of Jesus, being the 13th. Jesus was also crucified on a Friday making the day feel unlucky. In Norse mythology, Loki, the trickster god, crashed a feast of 12 gods, causing chaos and death. This made the number 13 seem unlucky in ancient stories.

Historical and cultural beliefs

In medieval times, people thought Friday was an unlucky day to start something important, like a journey or a new project. Over time, the number 13 was also seen as unlucky. Together, Friday and 13 created a fearsome combination. There’s even a term for the fear of Friday the 13th: paraskavedekatriaphobia, which means an irrational fear of this date.

More from World

Nepal's new PM pays homage to people died during the Gen Z protest in her first national address This Week in Explainers: How recovering from Gen-Z protests is a Himalayan task for Nepal

Role of movies and media

Friday the 13th became even scarier in modern times because of movies. The Friday the 13th film series, which started in 1980, made the date famous for horror and suspense. These movies, along with books and TV shows, turned Friday the 13th into a day of fright for millions.

Modern-day superstitions

Even today, many people avoid important activities on Friday the 13th. They may skip travelling, delay big decisions or avoid investing money. Some buildings don’t even label their 13th floor and call it 12A or 14 instead. Many businesses notice a drop in work and sales on this day because of its bad reputation.

Impact Shorts

More Shorts

‘The cries of this widow will echo’: In first public remarks, Erika Kirk warns Charlie’s killers they’ve ‘unleashed a fire’

Trump urges Nato to back sanctions on Russia, calls for 50–100% tariffs on China

A day to challenge fears

While some people stay cautious, others see Friday the 13th as a chance to challenge superstitions. Many celebrate with themed parties or lucky events to turn the day into something fun instead of frightening.

Friday the 13th may feel spooky or unlucky to some, but it’s also a reminder of how stories and beliefs shape how we see the world. Whether you fear it or laugh at it, this day continues to capture our imagination.