The origins of the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th are not entirely clear, but both Friday and the number 13 have been regarded as unlucky in certain cultures throughout history. Here are some possible explanations:
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Norse mythology: One source mentioned for the unlucky nature of the number "13" is a Norse myth about 12 gods having a dinner party in Valhalla. The trickster god Loki, who was not invited, showed up as the 13th guest and caused chaos.
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Christianity: In the Bible, Judas, who is said to have betrayed Jesus, was the 13th guest at the Last Supper. Also in the Bible, many unfortunate things happened on Fridays. So it made sense that people who read the Bible got nervous around Friday the 13th.
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Victorian invention: It wasn’t until the 19th century that Friday the 13th became synonymous with misfortune. The combination of Friday and the number 13 is a Victorian invention. In 1907, the publication of Thomas W. Lawsons novel "Friday, the Thirteenth" contributed to popularizing the superstition.
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Pop culture: In the 1980s, the "Friday the 13th" movie franchise added to the cultural phenomenon.
It is interesting to note that the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th is not universal. In Greece and Spanish-speaking countries, it is Tuesday the 13th that is considered a day of bad luck, while in Italy, it is Friday the 17th that is met with fear.
In summary, the story behind Friday the 13th is a combination of cultural beliefs, religious traditions, and pop culture. While the origins of the superstition are not entirely clear, the fear of Friday the 13th has become a cultural phenomenon that continues to intrigue and spook people around the world.
