Lucky Charms and Unlucky Days: Decoding Friday the 13th
Unraveling the Inevitability of Superstition: Our Unconscious Embrace on a Day of Misfortune (Friday the 13th)
In today's world, Friday the 13th carries a certain dread for some, shrouded in a cloud of uneasiness. People might refrain from scheduling important events on this day, as flights tend to be less popular due to this superstition, despite statistical evidence showing no increased risk of misfortune.
The Origin of Friday the 13th's Infamy
This superstition traces back to Christian roots and centuries-old beliefs. In the Western world, the fear of the number 13 is inextricably linked to the Last Supper and the 13 individuals present—Jesus and his 12 disciples. Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, was the 13th guest at the table [3][1]. This event took place on Maundy Thursday, and the subsequent Good Friday, marking Jesus' crucifixion, further enhances the negative connotations associated with Friday.
European traditions of considering Friday as the day for executions fortified the superstition surrounding this date [3][5]. US psychologist Stuart Vyse explains that the association of Friday the 13th with misfortune is about reducing uncertainty and gaining a sense of control. If something unfortunate occurs on any other day, it's merely bad luck; however, on Friday the 13th, the date, in turn, is blamed.
Superstition: A Blend of Fear and Desire
According to Vyse, superstition comprises two categories: learned and culturally adopted superstitions, like the fear of black cats, walking under ladders, and the number 13. There are also personal superstitions, which are individual and often acquired through trial and error [2].
For instance, many football coaches possess their lucky sweaters, and schoolchildren have their favored pens. These items provide a sense of security in situations where we have limited control but a high stake in the outcome. Vyse offers an insightful example: Should a person wear a new tie and deliver an impressive presentation, they may decide to wear that tie for every subsequent presentation, owing to their belief in the tie's magical properties [2].
"There's no magic that makes a tie practically helpful," Vyse says, "but it probably has a psychological value that makes you feel better in that moment when you wear it" [2]. The number 13 can also foster such feelings of reassurance. Taylor Swift considers it a lucky number, drawing strength from its connection to her accomplishments, such as her birthdate on Friday the 13th and several notable successes [1]. Consequently, she used to mark her hand with a 13 before her performances.
Fear not, for there's no reason to worry on Friday the 13th either!
References
- Produced by Almanac Network
- U.S. psychologist Stuart Vyse's interview with the American Psychological Association (APA)
- Permalink: Illustrated History - Number 13
- Friday the 13th Superstitions from Around the World
In the realm of personal superstitions, some individuals, like pop-culture icon Taylor Swift, find a sense of security in the number 13, drawing strength from its connection to their accomplishments and using it as a source of inspiration, such as marking her hand with a 13 before performances. Moreover, the entertainment industry, with its fascination for pop-culture, has made Friday the 13th a notable day in Western entertainment, with numerous films and shows exploring the superstition for both fright and entertainment.
){kind=link}