Friday the 13th

2024 - 9 - 12

Is Friday the 13th Really Unlucky or Would You Rather Watch a Horror Movie?

cultural beliefs - Friday the 13th - horror films - Judas - Last Supper - superstitions - triskaidekaphobia - unlucky days

Friday the 13th is here! Is it just a superstitious day or an excuse for horror marathons? Let's unravel the mystery!

Beware the ominous aura of Friday the 13th! This day strikes fear into the hearts of many, with tales of bad luck and misfortune echoing through generations. Widespread superstition marks the number 13 as notoriously unlucky, and some cultures even have their own specific bad luck days! So, as September rolls in—and we feverishly prepare for Halloween with all things pumpkin-spiced—it's time to examine the reasons behind our fidelity to these spooky traditions.

Religious studies experts from the University of Miami delve deep into the psychological and social explanations behind our susceptibility to superstitions. People seem to find comfort in attributing random events to external forces; this belief in luck or bad luck can provide an explanation when things go awry. Some theories suggest these superstitions about Friday the 13th are deeply rooted in cultural narratives and share an existential comfort, while others merely reflect the chaotic dance between science and the unexplainable.

Interestingly, while many dread this seemingly cursed date, statistics don’t back up the notion that Friday the 13th is indeed luckier or unluckier than any other day. In fact, several businesses claim it’s unlucky for them due to a decline in customer traffic on this day. According to research, there’s hardly any difference in crime rates or accidents; perhaps a leftover from a time when our society was more deeply intertwined with superstition than it is today?

As the horrors unfold in classic films and horror marathons take over our screens, rest assured that Friday the 13th doesn’t carry any more weight than, say, a Wednesday! With Halloween creeping around the corner, let yourself enjoy the quirky side of superstition, or perhaps it’s just the added thrill for your popcorn and scare-fests this spooky season!

Did you know that Friday the 13th is so culturally significant that it has inspired numerous films, including the famous slasher movie franchise? The first 'Friday the 13th' movie was released in 1980—talk about making a date with danger! Additionally, in some cultures, it’s believed that there's no significant misfortune of this day; it’s just beloved as another Friday filled with potential for good vibes. Get ready to shake off your superstitions, because Friday the 13th can be whatever you make of it!

Beware: It's Friday the 13th. Don't say we didn't warn you (WJCT NEWS)

Friday the 13th is a widespread superstition around the world. Some countries, however, have their own bad luck days. Copyright 2024 NPR.

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Image courtesy of "Futurity: Research News"

Why do we buy into superstitions like Friday the 13th? (Futurity: Research News)

Religious studies professors dig into our penchant for superstitions and the boundaries between science and falsifiability.

Is Friday the 13th really unlucky? The history and superstitions ... (Toronto.com)

In various religious and mythology stories, the number 13 is believed to be unlucky.

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Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

What is Friday the 13th and why is it considered unlucky? Here's ... (USA TODAY)

The calendar has flipped to September which means people are preparing for spooky season with Halloween decorations, bonfires and pumpkin-flavored ...

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Image courtesy of "University of Miami"

Friday the 13th: Do you freak out? (University of Miami)

University of Miami religious studies professors cast an eye—though not an evil one—on our penchant for superstitions and the boundaries between science and ...

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Image courtesy of "RTE.ie"

Luckless: Is Friday the 13th bad for business? (RTE.ie)

There's no evidence that Friday 13th is unluckier than any other day, but it's a bad one for some businesses nonetheless, writes Adam Maguire.

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Image courtesy of "Psychology Today"

Superstition sees bad luck in the day, but you can safely revise the ... (Psychology Today)

Dread of Friday the 13th looms large in the cultural consciousness, but it's really just a day like any other.

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Image courtesy of "Palm Beach Post"

Why is Friday the 13th said to bring bad luck? The day according to ... (Palm Beach Post)

September 13 falls on a Friday this year, an unlucky date according to superstition.

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Image courtesy of "Ultimate Classic Rock"

The 13 'Friday the 13th' Victims That Most Deserved to Die (Ultimate Classic Rock)

With Jason wrongly presumed dead after the events of Part III, his body is lying on a table in the morgue at a local hospital. Instead of working on the corpse, ...

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Image courtesy of "Austin American-Statesman"

What's the history behind Friday the 13th? 7 superstitions to avoid or ... (Austin American-Statesman)

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 ...

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Image courtesy of "Benzie Record Patriot"

Friday the 13th: Myths and origins explained (Benzie Record Patriot)

Explore the origins and superstitions of Friday the 13th, from biblical times to modern-day horror stories.

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Image courtesy of "TCPalm"

Why is Friday the 13th unlucky? What to know about the lore and ... (TCPalm)

Whether you don't know how to celebrate or are a seasoned Friday the 13th fan, here's what to know about the day's superstitions and discounts.

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Image courtesy of "County 17"

Wondrous Wyoming: Friday the 13th Edition | County 17 (County 17)

GILLETTE, Wyo. — Ki-Ki-Ki-Ma-Ma-Ma. Do you hear that? Is it Jason Voorhees? Or his mom? Or, is it simply this gorgeous owl, photographed at a cemetery by ...

Beware: It's Friday the 13th. Don't say we didn't warn you (KGOU)

Friday the 13th is a widespread superstition around the world. Some countries, however, have their own bad luck days. Copyright 2024 NPR.

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Image courtesy of "TownLift"

Friday the 13th: Not Superstitious, Just a Little 'Stitious' (TownLift)

Whether you're superstitious or not, here are some of the most common beliefs tied to this famously unlucky day.

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Image courtesy of "NBC Chicago"

What does Friday the 13th mean and why is it 'unlucky'? Here's what ... (NBC Chicago)

It's not clear where the superstition originates. Some believe it stems from the Biblical Last Supper, in which the unlucky 13th guest, Judas, betrays Jesus.

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Image courtesy of "Vulture"

Saying Good-bye to 'Friday the 13th: The Game' (Vulture)

The gloriously janky 'Friday the 13th: The Game' is shutting down at the end of the year. We say good-bye to the asymmetric survival horror game, ...

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