Friday the 13th

2024 - 9 - 13

Why Friday the 13th Is Like Ordering Nasi Lemak on a Monday: Superstitious Madness!

friday the 13th superstition business impacts - Friday the 13th - Last Supper - Norse mythology - psychology - superstitions - triskaidekaphobia - friday the 13th superstition

Superstitions abound on Friday the 13th, but is it really as unlucky as they say? Join us as we delve into its origins, its economic impacts, and even what the internet has to say about this spooky day!

Ah, Friday the 13th—a date that sends shivers down the spine of the superstitious, while leaving skeptics scratching their heads. Why do we, as humans, willingly subscribe to the idea that this one day is burdened with bad luck? In many cultures, the magic (or rather, the fear) surrounding this day roots itself in a mix of ancient history, religion, and some bizarre beliefs that would make anyone chuckle if they weren’t frantically checking their calendar for signs of impending doom. Studies by religious professors reveal that superstitions often fill the gaps where science hasn’t fully ventured, catering to our desire for meaning in an otherwise chaotic world.

But let’s get real. Despite the dread this day evokes, research shows there's little evidence supporting that Friday the 13th is any unluckier than, say, a Tuesday the 17th! Yet, for some businesses, especially those in the tourism and entertainment industries, this date doesn’t get many bookings. Adam Maguire’s analysis highlights how the weight of superstition manifests into real economic impacts, resulting in people shying away from making plans—like going for a jog in the rain or ordering that extra serving of char kuey teow.

The internet hasn’t been left out of this superstitious frenzy. Memes and social media rants erupt every year on this spooky date, with some users sharing stories of mishaps that just so happened to coincide with Friday the 13th—talk about bad timing! Such tales only further entrench the superstition, creating a snowball effect that tickles the funny bone and fuels more fear. Could it be that instead of fighting our fears, we’re simply feeding them? It appears the online world is only too happy to keep the laughter and the nonsense alive on this notorious day.

In a world where everything from Norse mythology to Christian narratives have contributed to the perturbing lore around the number 13, it’s no wonder that Friday the 13th carries its eerie reputation. And here's an interesting twist: did you know that in some cultures, instead of fearing the 13th, they actually celebrate it? For example, in Italy, the number 17 is considered unlucky! So, while you may avoid walking under ladders or refusing to buy that 13th lottery ticket, there's a whole globe full of superstitions to explore. Just remember: every fear holds a secret treasure of wisdom; so let’s laugh together and maybe order that extra plate of nasi lemak this Friday!

The next time you find yourself groaning about the dreaded Friday the 13th, remember that you have the power to rewrite the script! Instead of letting superstitions control your plans, why not embrace it with a sense of humor? Here’s a fun fact to wrap things up: according to a 2015 publication, more than 80% of people don’t think they will experience bad luck on Friday the 13th, but that hasn’t stopped them from cracking jokes about it. So get ready to laugh your way through the day, and who knows? You might just turn that supposed bad luck into a magical memory!

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Futurity: Research News"

Why do we buy into superstitions like Friday the 13th? (Futurity: Research News)

Religious studies professors dig into our penchant for superstitions and the boundaries between science and falsifiability.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "RTE.ie"

Luckless: Is Friday the 13th bad for business? (RTE.ie)

There's no evidence that Friday 13th is unluckier than any other day, but it's a bad one for some businesses nonetheless, writes Adam Maguire.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Economic Times"

Friday the 13th: Why this date is considered unlucky and what fuels ... (The Economic Times)

Friday the 13th is often considered unlucky, with some people even having a phobia of the date. This superstition can lead to significant economic impacts ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Hindustan Times"

Friday the 13th: Here's what the internet is saying about this spooky ... (Hindustan Times)

Friday the 13th is a day of superstition, linked to bad luck in history and religion, now trending online with memes and posts on platforms like X.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Benzie Record Patriot"

Friday the 13th: Myths and origins explained (Benzie Record Patriot)

Explore the origins and superstitions of Friday the 13th, from biblical times to modern-day horror stories.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Psychology Today"

Superstition sees bad luck in the day, but you can safely revise the ... (Psychology Today)

Dread of Friday the 13th looms large in the cultural consciousness, but it's really just a day like any other.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The National"

Why is Friday the 13th considered unlucky? Superstitions and myths ... (The National)

The association between the number 13 and bad luck has a long history with roots in Norse mythology, Christianity and Greek gods. Its connection to Friday, ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Business Standard"

Friday the 13th: Is this day really as spooky and unlucky as it seems? (Business Standard)

This day has several fears and fascinations attached with it, inspired from century-old traditions and beliefs. People who believe in superstitions consider ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "University of Miami"

Friday the 13th: Do you freak out? (University of Miami)

University of Miami religious studies professors cast an eye—though not an evil one—on our penchant for superstitions and the boundaries between science and ...

Beware: It's Friday the 13th. Don't say we didn't warn you (KLCC FM Public Radio)

Friday the 13th is a widespread superstition around the world. Some countries, however, have their own bad luck days.

Beware: It's Friday the 13th. Don't say we didn't warn you (WNIJ and WNIU)

Friday the 13th is a widespread superstition around the world. Some countries, however, have their own bad luck days. Copyright 2024 NPR.

Beware: It's Friday the 13th. Don't say we didn't warn you (WJCT NEWS)

Friday the 13th is a widespread superstition around the world. Some countries, however, have their own bad luck days. Copyright 2024 NPR.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

What is Friday the 13th and why is it considered unlucky? Here's ... (USA TODAY)

The calendar has flipped to September which means people are preparing for spooky season with Halloween decorations, bonfires and pumpkin-flavored ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Jagran Josh"

Friday the 13th: History, Myths, and Superstitions Behind the ... (Jagran Josh)

Discover why Friday the 13th is considered unlucky, from biblical and Norse origins to modern-day impacts and cultural variations.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Austin American-Statesman"

What's the history behind Friday the 13th? 7 superstitions to avoid or ... (Austin American-Statesman)

Friday the 13th's reputation for bad luck largely originates from religious and cultural beliefs. In Christianity, it is associated with the Last Supper, where ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "County 17"

Wondrous Wyoming: Friday the 13th Edition | County 17 (County 17)

GILLETTE, Wyo. — Ki-Ki-Ki-Ma-Ma-Ma. Do you hear that? Is it Jason Voorhees? Or his mom? Or, is it simply this gorgeous owl, photographed at a cemetery by ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "TownLift"

Friday the 13th: Not Superstitious, Just a Little 'Stitious' (TownLift)

Whether you're superstitious or not, here are some of the most common beliefs tied to this famously unlucky day.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "keysweekly.com"

JOHN BARTUS: IS FRIDAY THE 13TH ACTUALLY UNLUCKY? (keysweekly.com)

Another story comes from Norse mythology and involves a party being held for 12 gods in Valhalla. Loki wasn't invited, and he did what Loki does — he arranged ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "TIME"

The Origins of Friday the 13th (TIME)

The story goes that 13 guests attended the Last Supper—Jesus Christ and his 12 apostles—and the next day, Good Friday, was the day of Jesus' crucifixion. From ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "KLCC FM Public Radio"

The KLCC Conundrum - Friday the 13th (KLCC FM Public Radio)

Forest Walker Davis is an Ohio native who has lived in Oregon for nearly a decade. He has been writing and hosting trivia for thousands of years, which is ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "NBC Chicago"

What does Friday the 13th mean and why is it 'unlucky'? Here's what ... (NBC Chicago)

Friday the 13th comes around at least once every year, and while many know of its "unlucky" reputation, not many know why.

Beware: It's Friday the 13th. Don't say we didn't warn you (KGOU)

Friday the 13th is a widespread superstition around the world. Some countries, however, have their own bad luck days. Copyright 2024 NPR.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Economic Times"

friday the 13th: Friday the 13th: All you may want to know about ... (Economic Times)

The belief that 13 is unlucky can be traced back to Norse mythology. Author Charles Panati's book 'Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things' says, the god Loki ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "WNIJ and WNIU"

The possible origins of Friday the 13th and other unlucky days (WNIJ and WNIU)

circa 1930: Members of Friday The Thirteenth Club walk under a ladder in single file at a meeting on the outskirts of Paris. The club meets every Friday 13th to ...

Why is Friday the 13th considered so unlucky? (NPR)

Author and sociologist Arlie Hochschild shares stories of people facing poverty, the loss of jobs and the rise of the opioid epidemic in Appalachian Kentucky.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "WYPR"

The possible origins of Friday the 13th and other unlucky days (WYPR)

circa 1930: Members of Friday The Thirteenth Club walk under a ladder in single file at a meeting on the outskirts of Paris. The club meets every Friday 13th to ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "KGOU"

The possible origins of Friday the 13th and other unlucky days (KGOU)

circa 1930: Members of Friday The Thirteenth Club walk under a ladder in single file at a meeting on the outskirts of Paris. The club meets every Friday 13th to ...

Explore the last week