Written by Alessio Guerrero
Thirteen has been branded as the unluckiest number in society. From Friday the 13th being seen as the most ominous day of year, to buildings such as hotels and skyscrapers excluding the 13th floor altogether, why exactly has this simple number unanimously gained such a notorious reputation?
Biblical Connections:
One of the earliest origins comes from Christianity. At the last Supper, Judas (the disciple who betrayed Jesus) was said to be the 13th guest at the table. His presence and later betrayal linked the number 13 with misfortune and death. Over time, this belief spread through generations which later influenced Western culture to associate the number 13 with betrayal and tragedy.
Norse Mythology:
In Norse mythology, twelve gods once had gathered for a feast in Valhalla. Loki, the god of mischief, arrived uninvited as the thirteenth guest and caused the death of the benevolent god Baldur. This story accentuates how an extra, unwanted presence could bring chaos and loss. This myth reflects the Last Supper and assists in solidifying the idea that the number 13 brings destruction wherever it appears.
Friday the 13th:
Both Friday and the number 13 were seen as unlucky separately, but together they became the unluckiest day of the year. Pivoting back to Christianity, Friday was the day of Jesus’ crucifixion and over time, the combination evolved into the abhorrent Friday the 13th. The fear has become so widespread that it even has a scientific name: paraskevidekatriaphobia, the fear of Friday the 13th. Even today, the majority of our population avoid making huge decisions, traveling, or even holding events on that date, highlighting how deeply superstition affects individuals.
Different Views Around the World:
Not everyone sees 13 as unlucky, in Italy, it’s actually considered a lucky number, and ancient Egyptians saw it as a symbol of rebirth and transformation. These beliefs show that luck isn’t universal, it’s shaped by culture and background. Still, in the west, 13 remains the number people hesitate to confide in, no matter how irrational it seems.
Sources: “Friday the 13th.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Friday-the-13th-superstition.
“Why is 13 Unlucky?” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 12 Dec. 2012, www.history.com/articles/whats-so-unlucky-about-the-number-13.
“The Bad Rap of Friday the 13th.” Avenu Insights & Analytics, 2022, www.avenuinsights.com/the-bad-rap-of-friday-th-13th.
