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Friday the 13th has arrived in the final month of the year, but this one might bring a little extra magic.
With the Geminids meteor shower illuminating the night skyit’s a great opportunity to leave superstition behind and make a wish on a shooting star.
And if you miss the meteors, don’t worry—you can still lean into these quirky traditions and transform this so-called unlucky day into a celebration of good fortune and fun.
More:December to bring Geminid, Ursid meteor showers, naked eye view of Jupiter — how to view
Where did Friday the 13th come from?
Friday the 13th’s reputation for bad luck largely originates from religious and cultural beliefs. In Christianity, it is associated with the Last Supper, where Judas, the 13th guest, betrayed Jesus, leading to his crucifixion on a Friday, according to USA TODAY.
Norse mythology also contributes, with the 13th god, Loki, bringing chaos and death.
This superstition deepened over time, particularly after the mass arrest of the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13th, 1307, further cementing the day’s unlucky status.
When is the next Friday the 13th?
Next year, the only Friday the 13th will fall in June.
The following year, 2026, will feature three Friday the 13ths—spanning February, March, and November—the maximum possible in a single calendar year.
7 Friday the 13th superstitions to either avoid or pursue
Avoid:
- Breaking a mirror: Breaking a mirror is said to bring seven years of bad luckso handle glass carefully today.
- Walking under a ladder: This superstition stems from the idea that walking under a ladder disrupts the triangle, a symbol of life, and invites misfortune.
- Spilling salt: Accidentally spilling salt has been seen as bad luck for centuries. To counteract, throw a pinch over your left shoulder to ward off evil.
- Crossing paths with a black cat: Black cats, often associated with witches and bad omens, are considered unlucky, especially when they cross your path on Friday the 13th.
- Stepping on Cracks: The rhyme “step on a crack, break your mother’s back” comes from the idea that stepping on cracks invites bad energy or harm.
To pursue:
- Carrying a lucky charm: Items like four-leaf clovers, horseshoesor rabbit’s feet are believed to bring good luck and protection from bad vibes.
- Knocking on wood: This age-old superstition is believed to prevent bad luck or jinxes. If you say something hopeful, knock on wood to “seal the deal” and keep good fortune on your side.
