Why do people think Friday the 13th is an unlucky day?
For Westerners, Friday the 13th is considered a very unlucky day.
In many cultures, the number 13 is seen as an unlucky number. People often avoid the presence of this number in their daily lives, such as high-rise buildings not having a 13th floor (they may have floors labeled 12A, 12B, and then jump to 14 instead of 13); airports not having a gate number 13; airplanes not having seat number 13…
The fear of Friday the 13th even has its own name, paraskavedekatriaphobia.
According to historians, the number 13 became significant around the 1780s BC. Back then, the Babylonians had the famous Hammurabi’s Code of Law, and there was no law numbered 13 in that code.
In addition, ancient concepts often referred to the number 12, such as a year having 12 months, Jesus having 12 apostles, 12 Greek gods, Hercules’ 12 labors…
In Norse mythology, the number 12 originated from Loki – the cunning god secretly conspiring with Hoder (the god of darkness) to assassinate Balder (the god of happiness) at a feast in Valhalla. At that time, only 12 gods were invited to the feast and Loki “came uninvited”.
After Balder was killed, the earth was plunged into darkness. That is the day of misfortune.
Friday is also considered an unlucky day due to its association with the story of Adam and Eve. According to researchers, Friday is the day when Adam and Eve “ate the forbidden fruit” and were expelled from paradise.
Furthermore, there are many theories put forward to explain why many people consider Friday and the number 13 to be associated with bad luck.
3 things not to do on Friday the 13th
– Don’t cut your hair
Some people will avoid cutting their hair on Friday the 13th because they believe that bad luck may come to them and their family.
– Don’t change the position of your bed
Many people believe that changing the position of their bed on Friday the 13th will make them more likely to have nightmares and restless sleep.
– Don’t cut your nails
It is believed that cutting your nails on Friday the 13th will attract bad luck. Therefore, people avoid cutting their nails on this day.
3 things to do on Friday the 13th
– Throw salt over your left shoulder
According to ancient beliefs, demons always sit behind your left shoulder. Therefore, throwing salt over your left shoulder will help ward off bad luck.
– Wear a lucky charm in the shape of a horseshoe
In some places, a horseshoe is considered a lucky charm because evil spirits can only follow the curve on the horseshoe and cannot bother humans.
– Maintain an optimistic attitude
On this day, people should not worry too much and should be happy and optimistic, as things will come and go smoothly.
The information provided is for reference and experiential purposes.