Friday the 13th is a day that is considered unlucky by many people around the world. This superstition has been around for a long time and has caused people to avoid making important decisions or taking risks on this day. But why is Friday the 13th considered unlucky? Let’s explore some of the reasons behind this superstition.
The Origin of Friday the 13th Superstition
The origin of Friday the 13th superstition dates back to the Middle Ages. It is said that on Friday the 13th, 1307, King Philip IV of France ordered the arrests of the Knights Templar, a powerful and wealthy Catholic military order. The knights were accused of heresy and were tortured and killed. This event led to the downfall of the Knights Templar and it is believed that the superstition of Friday the 13th being unlucky started from this event.
Other Historical Events
There are other historical events that contribute to the fear of Friday the 13th. For example, on Friday the 13th, 1780, a severe storm hit the Caribbean and caused the deaths of many British sailors. In 1907, a bridge collapsed in Scotland on Friday the 13th, and 13 people died. These events have led to the belief that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day.
Religious Beliefs
Some people believe that Friday the 13th is unlucky because of religious beliefs. For example, it is believed that there were 13 people at the Last Supper, and Jesus was crucified on a Friday. Therefore, combining the two is seen as unlucky.
Numerology
There are also numerological reasons why Friday the 13th is considered unlucky. In numerology, the number 12 is seen as a complete number (12 months in a year, 12 zodiac signs, 12 hours on a clock). Adding one more to that number is believed to disrupt the balance and cause bad luck.
The Fear of the Unknown
Another reason why Friday the 13th is considered unlucky is simply because it is a superstition. People fear the unknown and the unexplainable, and the superstition of Friday the 13th being unlucky has been passed down through generations, causing people to believe it without question.
Friday the 13th in Popular Culture
Friday the 13th has become a popular cultural reference in movies, books, and TV shows. The horror movie franchise "Friday the 13th" has added to the fear and superstition surrounding this day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many reasons why Friday the 13th is considered unlucky. Whether it is due to historical events, religious beliefs, numerology, or simply fear of the unknown, this superstition has been around for a long time and has caused people to avoid taking risks on this day. However, it is important to remember that superstitions are just beliefs and have no real evidence behind them. It is up to each individual to decide whether or not to believe in them.