Friday the 13th is a date that in different cultures causes confusion, fear and sometimes, in some individuals, behavioral fluctuations. Although this day is considered unlucky more out of cultural custom than because of objective dates, its reputation is firmly entrenched. Do you know the historical roots of this day?

In the past, Fridays were considered unlucky days. While today they are the harbinger of the weekend for most of us and we love them, this was not the case before. In some cultures it is considered lucky, but most people see it in a rather negative light.

Why this day?

Historically, these two older superstitions are often combined: one towards Friday as an unlucky day and the other towards 13 as an unlucky number. Together, these two aspects produce a double bad luck effect. For example, in Christian tradition it is said that there were 13 guests at the Last Supper and then the following day was Friday, when Jesus Christ was crucified.

Another motif is a myth from Norse mythology, where 12 gods were sitting around a tavern when an uninvited Loki appeared as the 13th and caused misfortune. Although the original texts do not confirm what day it was, it could very likely have been Friday.

How did superstition turn into culture?

The superstition of the unlucky Friday the 13th gradually became part of Western culture. There are an estimated 17-21 million people in the United States who believe that this day is bad luck. One recent survey even showed that 16% of men and 8% of women believe it is the least lucky day of the year.

In some countries there are more accidents on Friday the 13th, in others there are fewer. It is not statistically proven that this day is more or less unlucky. ━━ In some countries there are more accidents on Friday the 13th, in others there are fewer. It is not statistically proven that this day is more or less unlucky. ( Source: Anthony Maw /  Unsplash+ )

However, the fear of an unlucky day is also reflected in real life. Some people put off important changes, travel or starting projects so that they don’t fall on this particular day. Many people also take time off work and stay at home so that nothing happens to them. Thus, the superstition has not only survived, but has become an important cultural phenomenon influencing decision-making.

What do the statistics say?

Scientifically, the situation is complicated. On the one hand, some studies suggest an increased risk of danger on this day, on the other hand, other data show the opposite. In Finland, for example, women were found to have a higher risk of traffic accidents on Friday the 13th between 1971 and 1997.

Conversely, a Dutch study linked Friday the 13th to fewer reported traffic accidents, fires and thefts than on an average Friday. For example, the average number of traffic accidents in the Netherlands on a normal Friday was about 7 800, while on Friday the 13th the average was about 7 500.

Thus, science offers no clear evidence that Friday the 13th is generally more dangerous.