While many people look forward to the end of the work week and the start of a relaxing weekend, some dread the date: Friday the 13th. The day is often associated with superstition and is considered unlucky. It brings a mix of fear and intrigue to those with friggatriskaidekaphobia, the irrational fear that Friday will fall on the 13th.

(Also read: Couple gets married on Friday the 13th in a cemetery: ‘The unluckiest day of the year becomes almost perfect’)

If you’re wary of this infamous date, it’s best to stay off social media today. The term “Friday the 13th” has been trending on platforms like X, with users sharing a plethora of posts related to the day. This increase in online chatter has contributed to the date’s infamous reputation, with various memes and jokes putting a light-hearted spin on the otherwise spooky day.

Check out some of the posts here:

The Origin of Friday the 13th

The origins of the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th are shrouded in mystery and myth. According to the BBC, there is no definitive reason why this day is considered unlucky. However, several theories and historical contexts contribute to its sinister reputation.

The association between Friday and bad luck can be traced back to Christian traditions. It is believed that Jesus Christ was crucified on a Friday and Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, was the 13th guest at the Last Supper. These events have historically linked Fridays to bad luck.

Furthermore, Friday’s bad reputation dates back to the Middle Ages. This day, known as “hangman’s day”, was notorious for the frequent executions that took place there. The idea that Friday was an unlucky day became entrenched in societal beliefs, which reinforced its negative connotations.

Despite its dark history and the superstitions that surround it, Friday the 13th remains a day of fascination and amusement for many. Whether you see it as a day to be careful or just another Friday, the date’s mix of historical context and modern social media activity ensures that it continues to capture the public’s imagination.