Friday the 13th

2024 - 9 - 13

Why Friday the 13th is the Least Lucky Day to Play Monopoly!

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Ever wondered why we're all a bit freaked out about Friday the 13th? Dive into the origins, superstitions, and some hilarious takes on this notorious day!

Friday the 13th is a day that sends shivers down the spine of many, but have you ever stopped to think about why? This peculiar superstition has roots that wind all the way back to biblical times, Norse mythology, and even Greek gods. It’s the number 13 that sparks confusion, being considered unlucky in various cultures. From the story of Jesus and his 13th disciple Judas to tales of bad luck linked to this number, it’s no wonder that every year, when this infamous day rolls around, we find ourselves clenching our lucky charms a little tighter.

Modern society hasn’t helped the fear either; after all, horror films like "Friday the 13th" have led to the day being synonymous with doom. But while many cower at the thought of this date, what’s fascinating is that evidence doesn’t actually support Friday the 13th being any luckier or unluckier than any other day! In fact, some studies show that Friday the 13th can lead to a tiny reduction in car accidents and other unfortunate events. The psychological effects of superstition, however, lead to avoidances that may inadvertently make this day seem less than ideal. The fear is so widespread that even businesses cringe at the thought of Friday the 13th—despite the lack of tangible evidence of its so-called bad luck.

Social media has also amplified the hysteria surrounding the day, with memes and jokes peppering our feeds like confetti. From quirky conspiracy theories to outright ridicule, the internet has adopted Friday the 13th with a smile, reminding everyone that sometimes laughter is the best superstition-buster. It’s amusing to watch how deeply ingrained these beliefs are and how we love a good scare, whether tangible or imagined. Religious studies professors have dived into our tendency to brand certain days as ominous, exploring the balance of faith, science, and human psychology as they shed light on our diverse beliefs surrounding luck.

So, while people today might associate this date with potential mishaps and unlucky occurrences, history tells a different story. The real challenge lies not in the day itself but in embracing the delightful oddity of human psychology! For all you rational thinkers, take heart—Friday the 13th is merely a day like any other, underscored by intriguing cultural narratives. Just think of it this way: whenever you hear someone worrying about it, it’s just another chance to remind them that every day is a good day to chase your dreams, whether it’s Friday or any of the other days with 31 flavors of Overthinking!

Interesting Fact 1: Did you know that the fear of Friday the 13th is so prevalent it has its own term: "Paraskevidekatriaphobia"? Yeah, try saying that three times fast!

Interesting Fact 2: In certain cultures, instead of being considered unlucky, the number 13 symbolizes good luck, showing how superstitions can vary immensely depending on where you are. So next time you hear someone fret over Friday the 13th, just remember it's all about perspective!

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Image courtesy of "Futurity: Research News"

Why do we buy into superstitions like Friday the 13th? (Futurity: Research News)

Religious studies professors dig into our penchant for superstitions and the boundaries between science and falsifiability.

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Image courtesy of "Benzie Record Patriot"

Friday the 13th: Myths and origins explained (Benzie Record Patriot)

Explore the origins and superstitions of Friday the 13th, from biblical times to modern-day horror stories.

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Image courtesy of "RTE.ie"

Luckless: Is Friday the 13th bad for business? (RTE.ie)

There's no evidence that Friday 13th is unluckier than any other day, but it's a bad one for some businesses nonetheless, writes Adam Maguire.

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Image courtesy of "Hindustan Times"

Friday the 13th: Here's what the internet is saying about this spooky ... (Hindustan Times)

Friday the 13th is a day of superstition, linked to bad luck in history and religion, now trending online with memes and posts on platforms like X.

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Image courtesy of "Psychology Today"

Superstition sees bad luck in the day, but you can safely revise the ... (Psychology Today)

Dread of Friday the 13th looms large in the cultural consciousness, but it's really just a day like any other.

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Image courtesy of "University of Miami"

Friday the 13th: Do you freak out? (University of Miami)

University of Miami religious studies professors cast an eye—though not an evil one—on our penchant for superstitions and the boundaries between science and ...

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Image courtesy of "The National"

Why is Friday the 13th considered unlucky? Superstitions and myths ... (The National)

The association between the number 13 and bad luck has a long history with roots in Norse mythology, Christianity and Greek gods. Its connection to Friday, ...

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Image courtesy of "Business Standard"

Friday the 13th: Is this day really as spooky and unlucky as it seems? (Business Standard)

This day has several fears and fascinations attached with it, inspired from century-old traditions and beliefs. People who believe in superstitions consider ...

Beware: It's Friday the 13th. Don't say we didn't warn you (KLCC FM Public Radio)

Friday the 13th is a widespread superstition around the world. Some countries, however, have their own bad luck days.

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Image courtesy of "Citizen Digital"

The dark mystique of Friday the 13th: From ancient beliefs to modern ... (Citizen Digital)

Friday the 13th has long been entrenched in popular culture as a day shrouded in superstition and fear.

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Image courtesy of "KNAU Arizona Public Radio"

Beware: It's Friday the 13th. Don't say we didn't warn you (KNAU Arizona Public Radio)

Friday the 13th is a widespread superstition around the world. Some countries, however, have their own bad luck days. Copyright 2024 NPR.

Beware: It's Friday the 13th. Don't say we didn't warn you (WJCT NEWS)

Friday the 13th is a widespread superstition around the world. Some countries, however, have their own bad luck days. Copyright 2024 NPR.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Friday the 13th: The psychology behind the superstition (BBC News)

It's Friday the 13th, allegedly the most cursed day of the calendar. But why do we fear the day?

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Image courtesy of "Jagran Josh"

Friday the 13th: History, Myths, and Superstitions Behind the ... (Jagran Josh)

Discover why Friday the 13th is considered unlucky, from biblical and Norse origins to modern-day impacts and cultural variations.

Beware: It's Friday the 13th. Don't say we didn't warn you (WNIJ and WNIU)

Friday the 13th is a widespread superstition around the world. Some countries, however, have their own bad luck days. Copyright 2024 NPR.

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Image courtesy of "NBC Chicago"

What does Friday the 13th mean and why is it 'unlucky'? Here's what ... (NBC Chicago)

Some believe it stems from the Biblical Last Supper, in which the unlucky 13th guest, Judas, betrays Jesus. Another Biblical belief is that Cain killed his ...

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Image courtesy of "County 17"

Wondrous Wyoming: Friday the 13th Edition | County 17 (County 17)

GILLETTE, Wyo. — Ki-Ki-Ki-Ma-Ma-Ma. Do you hear that? Is it Jason Voorhees? Or his mom? Or, is it simply this gorgeous owl, photographed at a cemetery by ...

Beware: It's Friday the 13th. Don't say we didn't warn you (KGOU)

Friday the 13th is a widespread superstition around the world. Some countries, however, have their own bad luck days. Copyright 2024 NPR.

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Image courtesy of "TownLift"

Friday the 13th: Not Superstitious, Just a Little 'Stitious' (TownLift)

Whether you're superstitious or not, here are some of the most common beliefs tied to this famously unlucky day.

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Image courtesy of "Vulture"

Saying Good-bye to 'Friday the 13th: The Game' (Vulture)

The gloriously janky 'Friday the 13th: The Game' is shutting down at the end of the year. We say good-bye to the asymmetric survival horror game, ...

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Image courtesy of "TIME"

The Origins of Friday the 13th (TIME)

The story goes that 13 guests attended the Last Supper—Jesus Christ and his 12 apostles—and the next day, Good Friday, was the day of Jesus' crucifixion. From ...

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Image courtesy of "Florida Keys Weekly"

JOHN BARTUS: IS FRIDAY THE 13TH ACTUALLY UNLUCKY? (Florida Keys Weekly)

Another story comes from Norse mythology and involves a party being held for 12 gods in Valhalla. Loki wasn't invited, and he did what Loki does — he arranged ...

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Image courtesy of "KLCC FM Public Radio"

The KLCC Conundrum - Friday the 13th (KLCC FM Public Radio)

Forest Walker Davis is an Ohio native who has lived in Oregon for nearly a decade. He has been writing and hosting trivia for thousands of years, which is ...

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Image courtesy of "WNIJ and WNIU"

The possible origins of Friday the 13th and other unlucky days (WNIJ and WNIU)

circa 1930: Members of Friday The Thirteenth Club walk under a ladder in single file at a meeting on the outskirts of Paris. The club meets every Friday 13th to ...

Why is Friday the 13th considered so unlucky? (NPR)

Author and sociologist Arlie Hochschild shares stories of people facing poverty, the loss of jobs and the rise of the opioid epidemic in Appalachian Kentucky.

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Image courtesy of "KGOU"

The possible origins of Friday the 13th and other unlucky days (KGOU)

circa 1930: Members of Friday The Thirteenth Club walk under a ladder in single file at a meeting on the outskirts of Paris. The club meets every Friday 13th to ...

Beware: It's Friday the 13th. Don't say we didn't warn you (Delaware First Media)

MICHEL MARTIN, HOST: Not a single thing. I am not superstitious at all. MARTÍNEZ: Me neither. I'm only a little stitious. MARTIN: (Laughter).

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Image courtesy of "Here And Now"

Friday the 13th: Why is it considered unlucky? | Here & Now (Here And Now)

Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd talks with Phil Stevens, a retired associate Professor of Anthropology at SUNY Buffalo and author of "Anthropology of Magic and ...

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Image courtesy of "WYPR"

The possible origins of Friday the 13th and other unlucky days (WYPR)

circa 1930: Members of Friday The Thirteenth Club walk under a ladder in single file at a meeting on the outskirts of Paris. The club meets every Friday 13th to ...

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