A chill fills the air as darkness creeps upon the land. Families lock their doors and hold their children close as that time draws nigh once more, Friday the 13th.
These are but a few of the feelings and actions those who suffer from friggatriskaidekaphobia, fear of Friday the 13th, may take on during this auspicious day.
In 2024, two Fridays fall on the 13th, one in September and one in December. This Friday the 13th is just in time for the start of the Halloween season. While for some this time of year may be cause for fright, for others it’s time to embrace the eeriness of the day.
“I love Friday the 13th! I don’t believe it’s bad luck or extra spooky, but I enjoy celebrating the superstition,” English instructor Caitlin Gamble said. “I even got married on the 13th of a month so we could have an extra special Friday the 13th.”
The history of this cultural phenomenon is closely tied to the number 13. The fear of this number has gone on for centuries, according to History, and there are a number of incidents throughout history involving it.
One such event is the Last Supper, which took place on a Thursday with Jesus and his 12 disciples. Then on Friday, Jesus was betrayed and crucified. This contributed to the negative associations with the number 13 and contributed to the belief that 13 guests at a dinner party is bad luck.
Regardless of its origin, Friday the 13th has had a lasting impact on pop culture.
Most notably, there is the movie series “Friday the 13th.” Originally released in 1980, this classic slasher film follows camp counselors who are targeted by a brutal serial killer.
Many also believe bad luck to be associated with this date. Common bad luck bringers include black cats, stepping under ladders and stepping on cracks.
Some people enjoy the novelty of the day but don’t feed into superstitions.
“It’s a fun tradition, like mini Halloween. I don’t agree with the ‘black cats equals bad luck’ thing,” said Isabelle Smarjesse, a junior engineering major.
Whatever your feelings are about this cultural phenomenon, the 13th has proven to be far from ordinary. So lock your doors, put on a ghastly flick, turn off the lights and embrace that which goes bump in the night.
