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Happy Friday the 13th! A Brief History and 7 Superstitions to Know
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Happy Friday the 13th! A Brief History and 7 Superstitions to Know

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Friday the 13th is almost here, but don’t let superstition get you down.

Instead, embrace the quirky traditions and find ways to turn this so-called unlucky day into an opportunity for luck and fun.

Where does Friday the 13th come from?

Friday the 13th’s reputation as unlucky stems largely from religious and cultural beliefs. In Christianity, it is associated with the Last Supper, where Judas, the 13th guest, betrayed Jesus, leading to his crucifixion on a Friday, according to USA TODAY.

Norse mythology also contributes to this: the 13th god, Loki, brings chaos and death.

This superstition only grew stronger over time, especially after the mass arrest of the Templars on Friday, October 13, 1307, which made the unlucky day even more important.

When is the next Friday the 13th?

There is one more Friday the 13th in 2024, and it falls in December. The next one is in June 2025.

7 Friday the 13th Superstitions to Avoid or Aim for

Prevent:

  • Breaking a mirror: Breaking a mirror would seven years of bad luckso be careful with glass today.
  • Walking under a ladderThis superstition stems from the idea that walking under a ladder disrupts the triangle, a symbol of life, and invites bad luck.
  • Spill salt: Accidentally spilling salt has been considered bad luck for centuries. To counteract this, throw a pinch over your left shoulder to ward off evil.
  • Crossing the path of a black cat:Black cats are often associated with witches and bad omens. They are considered bad luck, especially if they cross your path on Friday the 13th.
  • Stepping on cracks: The rhyme “step on a crack, break your mother’s back” comes from the idea that stepping on cracks invites bad energy or injury.

To strive for:

  • Carrying a lucky charm with you: Items such as four leaf clovers, horseshoesor rabbit feet is believed to bring good luck and provide protection against bad vibes.
  • Knock on wood: This age-old superstition is said to prevent bad luck or curses. When you say something hopeful, knock on wood to “seal” the deal and keep luck on your side.