Mishall RehmanUnlucky and superstitious are the first words that come to mind when the 13th of the month befalls a Friday. However, is this truly an unlucky day or is Friday the 13th just another day?
Images of black cats and unspeakable horrors are conjured up on this most unlucky day of the year. Psychologists have even ascribed a word for those who have a genuine fear of the day- paraskavedekatriaphobia.
Dating Back to the Middle Ages
Historians trace the roots of this day back to the Middle Ages and believe there may have been a Biblical influence on this theory. Some historians claim that it is the day that Eve bit the apple from the Tree of Knowledge and the great flood began. Others attribute it to the 13 guests present for Jesus’s last meal, on a Thursday, and his crucifixion on Good Friday.
No Real Danger Associated
However, scientifically, many will say that there is no real danger associated with this day.
“No data exists, and will never exist, to confirm that the number 13 is an unlucky number,” tells Igor Radun of the Human Factors and Safety Behaviour Group at the University of Helsinki’s INsistute of Behavioural Sciences in Finland to LiveScience.com. “There is no reason to believe that any number would be lucky or unlucky.”
Spiritual Significance
Taking this one step further, some believe that not only is Friday the 13th not unlucky, but that it is actually quite the opposite.
According to an article on foreverconscious.com, in more ancient times, Friday the 13th was “a very powerful day for feminine energy and creativity.”
The author, Tanaaz Chub, an LA-based intuitive, goes on to say:
“Before patriarchal times, Friday the 13th was considered the day of the Goddess. It was considered a day to worship the Divine Feminine that lives in us all and to honor the cycles of creation and death and rebirth.”
The author of this article, and the author of a similar article on broadly.vice.com, believe that with the coming of a patriarchal society, the day was demonized as an unlucky day.
Hollywood has Benefited
Whether you chose to believe in it or not, the day has certainly taken hold in pop culture. Hollywood has benefited from a franchise of movies based on the day and is soon to release another addition to this franchise later this year.
It even impacts many day-to-day affairs. According to The Telegraph, the cost of air fare even falls on this day “with savings attributed to a collective fear of flying” on Friday the 13th. These savings can also be found in the wedding industry as many do not wish to set their date on this superstitious day.
At the end of the day, disasters can take place on any day of the year. It’s up to the individual to either wallow in fear or go about Friday the 13th as a normal day.
