In short: Friday the 13th is considered unlucky because two old superstitions collided: the number 13, linked to the 13 guests at the Last Supper, and Friday, the day of the Crucifixion. The combination only became a famous “unlucky day” in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The next Friday the 13ths are 13 November 2026, 13 August 2027 and 13 October 2028.
Ah, sure, tis the day we all fear, Friday the 13th! Haha, just jokes, but for many of us, when we realise that it is Friday the 13th, we tend to raise an eyebrow or air on the side of caution. It is a superstition that many people believe brings bad luck. You might not know precisely how Friday the 13th superstitions or this day became ingrained in society, but I will explain some history of the day. It is thought to have originated in the Middle Ages.
Historical and religious reasons behind Friday the 13th
- One theory is that it is linked to the Last Supper, where 13 people were present, including Jesus and the 12 apostles. Judas, the betrayer, was the 13th person to sit at the table, which may have contributed to the belief that the number 13 is unlucky.
- Another theory is that the fear of the number 13 is rooted in Norse mythology. In a popular retelling of the myths, 12 gods were invited to a banquet at Valhalla, but an uninvited 13th god, Loki, caused the downfall of the gods and the end of the world.
- Friday has also been associated with bad luck. In Christianity, Friday is the day of the week on which Jesus was crucified. Additionally, Friday was traditionally considered an unlucky day to begin a journey or start a new project.
- The combination of Friday and the number 13 has led to the superstition that Friday the 13th is particularly unlucky. Some people will avoid making major decisions or starting new projects on this day. Although here’s me writing an article about it 🙋♂️😆
Is there any scientific reasoning behind the date?
No… Despite the superstition, no scientific evidence supports the belief that Friday the 13th is any more likely to bring bad luck than any other day of the week. Some studies have shown no increase in accidents or incidents on Friday the 13th.
Overall, Friday the 13th is a superstition that has been around for centuries, but no scientific evidence supports the belief that it is an unlucky day. That said, it certainly will not stop me from raising an eyebrow whenever I realise it’s Friday the 13th. What about you? Do you believe on Friday the 13th? Comment below.
When is the next Friday the 13th?
- Friday, 13 November 2026
- Friday, 13 August 2027
- Friday, 13 October 2028
Every year has at least one Friday the 13th, and some have as many as three.
Where the superstition really comes from
Thirteen and Friday were each thought unlucky for centuries, but there’s little evidence of anyone fearing the combination before the 1800s. It took off in the early 1900s, helped by Thomas W. Lawson’s 1907 novel Friday, the Thirteenth, and was cemented by the horror films from 1980 onwards. You’ll also hear that it dates from the arrest of the Knights Templar on Friday 13 October 1307. The arrests really happened that day, but the link to the superstition was only made centuries later. The fear even has a name: paraskevidekatriaphobia.
Irish superstitions about luck
Ireland has plenty of its own superstitions. Salute a single magpie, because “one for sorrow”. Never put new shoes on the table. And if you hear a wailing cry at night, it might be the banshee. Read more in our guide to the luck of the Irish and the creatures of Irish folklore.
Are there any poems about the day?
While I am not aware of any specific poems that are specifically about Friday the 13th. I wrote this short poem about the day.
And if you are unsure, the word Snucky means sneaky but not quite sneaky.
Friday the 13th
Friday the 13th, a day of fear
A day when superstitions are near
Black cats cross our path with a hiss
And ladders are avoided with a twist
The number thirteen, deemed unlucky
A day to stay home, some folks are snucky
But for those who dare to venture out
Their fate, a fate of doubt
Some say it’s a day of bad luck
Others say it’s just a day, nothing much
But whether you believe in the myths
Friday the 13th, a day of tricks
So lock your doors, cross your feet
And hope that this Friday the 13th is sweet
For those who believe in the signs
A day of luck, they may find.
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Shane
Friday 13th of January 2023
Friday the 13th....it's a specific historical event involving the Knights Templar, Prince Phillip "the Fair" of France, and the Pope. Interesting history to know, and yes, some prior superstitions of Friday the 13th lead to a specific Friday to cause the downfall of th Knights Templar.
Irish Around The World
Tuesday 17th of January 2023
Woah! I am sure there is plenty more things I did not know about Friday the 13th. Thanks for sharing.