Friday the 13th is a superstition about a day of good or bad luck. However, there is no written evidence for a "Friday the 13th" superstition before the 19th century, although several theories have been proposed about the origin of the Friday the 13th superstition.

One theory states that it is a modern amalgamation of two older superstitions:

- that thirteen is an unlucky number (The number 13 could also have been considered pagan because there are 13 months in the pagan lunar calendar),

- and that Friday is an unlucky day( for example, Christians have traditionally been wary of Fridays because Jesus was crucified on a Friday. Additionally, some theologians hold that Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden fruit on a Friday, and that the Great Flood began on a Friday).



The really strange thing is that most of the people who believe the day is unlucky offer no explanation at all, logical or illogical. As with most superstitions, people fear Friday the 13th for its own sake, without any need for background information.



For further information:

Why Friday the 13th is Unlucky
Do-It-Yourself Numerology
Friday the 13th: Superstitions
Number 13, Unlucky as Ever


The superstition does have deep, compelling roots, however, why is the belief so widespread today?