Friday the 13th has long been regarded as unlucky, shrouded in superstition. How did this day gain its association with misfortune? Let’s dive into the history of the infamous Friday the 13th and explore why it sends a shiver down the spine of so many souls.
The fear of the number 13 is so common that it actually has a name: triskaidekaphobia. The number 13 is viewed as unlucky in many cultures; in Norse mythology, a banquet of 12 gods was disrupted by a mischievous 13th guest, Loki, who brought chaos. Similarly, in Christianity, Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, was the 13th guest at the Last Supper. In Western cultures, twelve usually signify completeness, with 12 months, 12 zodiac signs, 12 days of Christmas, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 gods of Olympus, and 12 zodiac signs indicating that its successor, 13, is a bad number. Fridays, too, have had their share of ominous associations. In Christian tradition, Jesus was crucified on a Friday, and some believe Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden on a Friday as well. In maritime folklore, sailors would avoid setting sail on Fridays, believing it to bring bad luck.
When the notorious thirteenth date of the month falls upon an unlucky Friday, we get the feared Friday the 13th. Though the origins of the superstition may be a bit murky, the late 19th-century novel, “Friday the Thirteenth” by Thomas W. Lawson, solidified the date’s notoriety. It tells the story of a stockbroker who takes advantage of the superstition and wreaks havoc on Wall Street. A later film of the same name introduced the world to “Jason,” the famed hockey mask-wearing killer, which solidified Friday the 13th in pop culture.
While some may fear Friday the 13th, why not embrace it? Dive into the spooky history of this day by joining one of Sandlapper Water Tours’ famous Ghost Tours! Charleston is filled with haunted tales and eerie history that will make your Friday the 13th experience unforgettable.
Book your ghost tour now and explore Charleston’s haunted waters if you dare!
