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Friday the 13th occurs only a couple of times a year, and it has arrived once again, bringing with it a blend of superstition, intrigue, and fascination. This marks the second Friday, the 13th of 2024, occurring just two months after the previous one in September. Looking ahead, there will only be one Friday the 13th in 2025, which will take place in June.
Though often associated with bad luck and eerie vibes, Friday the 13th has a fascinating history with roots in folklore, religion, and popular culture. The day has become a cultural phenomenon tied to fears of misfortune, the supernatural, and even unique traditions like tattoo specials.
© Getty ImagesThe Origins of Friday the 13th: A Blend of Myth and History
The superstition surrounding Friday the 13th may be rooted in a mix of Christian tradition, numerology, and cultural storytelling. The number 13 itself has long been seen as unlucky in Western culture, a notion that might be traced back to Biblical stories. One common explanation ties the superstition to Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus Christ. According to some interpretations, Judas was the 13th guest to arrive at the Last Supper, an event followed by Jesus’ crucifixion on a Friday.
Fridays have also historically carried negative associations
In the Middle Ages, Fridays were considered an inauspicious day to begin important tasks or travel. Combined with the distrust of the number 13, the confluence of Friday and the 13th in the calendar became a marker of bad luck and ominous energy.
According to USA TodayAnthropologists like Dr. Phil Stevens, author of “Rethinking the Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft: Inherently Human,” suggest that fears surrounding Friday the 13th exemplify “magical thinking.” This tendency to connect unrelated events—like a date on the calendar with an accident or misfortune—speaks to a deeply ingrained human inclination to find patterns, even where none exist.
© Getty Images“In different cultures, Friday the 13th has been used as a day to do certain types of magic and rituals,” says Dominican Spiritual Coach and Medium Laura Patricia Gómez to HELLO! USA. “It is not that necessarily on this day something negative is going to happen.”
According to the expert, people don’t have to be apprehensive about Friday the 13th as “it is the same with the number six” and its attribution to a negative meaning. “The number six represents material energy and is related to the material world, and with that we manifest on a material level.” Gómez says that “the number six does not have a meaning or a negative vibration, nor does the number 13. However, there are practitioners of magic or santería who use this day to perform rituals, or worship.”
Friday the 13th Superstitions
The superstitions associated with Friday the 13th vary widely but often involve avoiding certain activities or taking extra precautions to ward off bad luck. Some of the most common beliefs include:
© Getty Images/500px Prime- Avoiding Travel: Many people avoid flying, embarking on significant journeys, or scheduling important events on Friday the 13th.
- Skipping the 13th Floor: Many buildings famously skip labeling the 13th floor in their elevators, reflecting a widespread cultural unease with the number.
- Breaking Mirrors and Black Cats: On this day, general superstitions, such as avoiding broken mirrors or crossing paths with black cats, gain extra potency.
- Accident Avoidance: Some fear that mishaps, from stubbed toes to car accidents, are more likely to occur on this ominous day.
Despite these fears, others lean into the day’s mystique, using it as an opportunity to celebrate, explore the paranormal, or even challenge superstition.
Pop Culture’s Role in Friday the 13th’s Legacy
Much of Friday the 13th’s modern reputation as a day of fear and fascination can be attributed to pop culture, particularly the “Friday the 13th” horror movie franchise. Beginning with the first film’s release in 1980, the slasher series introduced audiences to the iconic (and terrifying) character Jason Voorhees, cementing Friday the 13th as a cultural symbol of horror. The franchise’s success perpetuated the association between the day and themes of danger, bad luck, and the supernatural.
© Getty ImagesFriday the 13th is a day of transformation
Laura Patricia says, “Friday the 13th is a day of transformation.” It invites us to reflect on the cycles we have closed and gives us the space to raise our heads and see where we are headed now.” Rather than a day to fear, Friday the 13th should be seen as an opportunity for reflection, meditation, and calm. It is also an excellent day for cleansing and liberation rituals that help us let go and prepare for a new beginning, marking a new cycle in our lives.
“The number 13 carries a very positive significance in many cultures, although it has different connotations across religions. In Catholicism, it is often associated with negative events such as the betrayal of Judas and the crucifixion of Christ and is linked to the idea of the apocalypse. In contrast, within Judaism, the number 13 is considered auspicious and symbolizes good luck. It is associated with several significant events, including Abraham’s circumcision and a 13-day fast during which they successfully overcame a severe drought. Additionally, in religious practices, 13 horns in the temple, 13 tables, and 13 bows are often utilized during ceremonies,” Gómez explains.
© Getty ImagesA good day to cleanse and protect your energies
Take some time to reflect on the changes occurring in your life. Consider what is leaving your life, the changes you wish to make, and what is no longer working for you. Identify what aspects you need to transform to move closer to manifesting your desires. “Here are two rituals you can perform:
- Write your name and date of birth on white paper with a blue pen. You can also include the names and birthdates of others if desired.
- Place the paper on a white plate and create a circle of salt around it. Ensure that the paper is inside the salt circle.
- Then, light four candles around the plate while asking Archangel Michael for protection.” Gómez suggests.
“The other ritual is for cleansing. Begin by placing a white candle on a white plate. Write your name and date of birth on the candle, starting from the wick and going down to the base. Next, sprinkle a little salt onto the candle. Light the candle while asking Archangel Michael to cleanse your energies. If you have absorbed negative energies, you may notice black balls appearing on the candle’s surface. After the ritual, dispose of everything in the trash. This is an important part of both ritual.”
A Day of Reflection, Superstition, and Celebration
Whether you spend Friday the 13th with a wary eye on the calendar or diving into horror movies, the day offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the interplay between superstition, history, and modern culture. While it may inspire trepidation in some, for others, Friday the 13th is simply a day to embrace the magic, mystery, and human tendency to find meaning in the unexplainable.
