Friday the 13th has long been associated with superstition. Historically, certain events have occurred on this date that have added to its ominous reputation.

Read on to learn more about Friday the 13th, how it began, and the myths surrounding the day, which are steeped in fear and folklore.

What does Friday the 13th symbolize?

Friday the 13th symbolizes a day of bad luck and superstition for many people around the world. According to history.com, this belief combines two elements of bad luck: the day of Friday, historically considered unlucky in many cultures, and the number 13, long considered a fateful number in both Western and Eastern traditions. Together, they create a day that is feared by some for its potential for bad luck.

What happens when it’s Friday the 13th?

On Friday the 13th, people often approach the day with caution, avoiding important decisions or events. Superstitions surrounding this day can include avoiding travel, postponing surgeries, or avoiding major financial decisions. Airlines have even reported a drop in bookings on this date, with some buildings omitting the 13th floor altogether.

Wax figures of Jason Voorhees’ character in the film “Friday the 13th” on display at the Dreamland Wax Museum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on March 11, 2017. (Fabio Teixeria/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

What happens in the movie ‘Friday the 13th’?

In the popular horror franchise “Friday the 13th,” the story revolves around the fictional Camp Crystal Lake. A young boy named Jason Voorhees supposedly drowns in the lake due to the negligence of camp counselors. His mother, Pamela Voorhees, later seeks revenge by murdering the counselors. Jason eventually emerges as the main killer in the entire series, with his trademark hockey mask becoming a cultural icon.

What’s the real story behind Friday the 13th?

The superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th seem to be a mix of religious beliefs, folklore, and historical events. The most famous historical event associated with the date is the arrest of the Knights Templar, but there is no single, definitive “true story” behind Friday the 13th. Over the years, literature and pop culture have further contributed to the myth, most notably the horror franchise.

Who is the murderer in the movie ‘Friday the 13th’?

In the original “Friday the 13th” film, the killer is Pamela Voorhees, who seeks revenge for the death of her son Jason. However, in subsequent films, Jason Voorhees takes over as the primary antagonist, often depicted wearing a hockey mask and wielding a machete.

A black cat is seen in Mexico City, Mexico, on August 17, 2024. (Jose Luis Torales/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Why are black cats associated with bad luck?

Black cats are often associated with Halloween and bad luck, especially if a black cat is encountered on Halloween or Friday the 13th.

According to history.com, “written records have linked black cats to the occult since the 13th century, when an official church document “Vox in Rama” was issued by Pope Gregory IX on June 13, 1233. In it, black cats were declared to be an incarnation of Satan.” In addition to being linked to Satan, history.com says that “cats also became inextricably linked to witches in medieval Europe.”

What is the real name of Friday the 13th?

As for the franchise, the real name associated with the “Friday the 13th” series is Jason Voorhees. He is the central figure of the horror saga, although his mother is the first villain in the first film.

Why is it called Friday the 13th?

The combination of “Friday” and the number “13” has its origins in superstition. Friday has long been considered an unlucky day in Christianity, because it was the day of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (Friday, April 3, 33 AD).). The number 13 is also considered an unlucky number because of its association with the Last Supper, where Judas Iscariot, the traitor, was the 13th guest. Over time, these two ideas merged and Friday the 13th became a symbol of bad luck.

What is the myth of Friday the 13th?

The myth surrounding Friday the 13th varies by culture, but in general it symbolizes a day when bad things are more likely to happen.

Many attribute its origins to the arrest of the Knights Templar in 1307, while others link it to ancient Norse mythology, where 13 gods were invited to a banquet, and chaos ensued. The idea of ​​bad luck on Friday the 13th has persisted throughout the centuries, reinforced by media and cultural representations.

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