Friday the 13th: Explore the history, psychology, and common superstitions surrounding this day, and whether fears associated with it are rooted in fact or simply perception.
Is Friday the 13th really all that scary? We’ve probably all heard the superstitions and maybe even felt a *little* twinge of unease when the calendar rolls around to it. But is there any real reason to be afraid? Let’s take a look, um, and see what’s actually behind the fear. (Do superstitions really affect you or are they harmful to your health?)
For many people, Friday the 13th is the most unlucky day of the year. So much so that psychologists have actually identified a specific phobia related to this day, which fuels the fear and pessimism associated with it: “fear of Friday the 13th,” or Paraskavedekatriaphobia.
On this day, many people especially in Western countries, avoid anything they consider unlucky; they fear something bad will happen. However if you think this day could turn out well, then consider this, wasn’t last October Friday the 13th? Did anythin’ sinister happen?
- Why Is This Day Considered Unlucky?
- The Fear of What You Attribute to It!
- What Can People Do About This Fear?
Why Is This Day Considered Unlucky?
This day has been considered unlucky for centuries. Some historians believe it stems from the story of Eve tempting Adam with the apple on a Friday or that the Great Flood started on a Friday too but let’s cut to the chase—this superstition has deep roots.
Some notable events that occurred on Friday the 13th include:
- In 1976, an American man, Daz Baxter, was so afraid of anything bad happening to him on this day, so he preferred to stay in bed all day. Unfortunately he was killed by a falling tree.
- In 2010, lightning struck a thirteen-year-old boy at exactly 13:13.
These events and many others have further solidified Friday the 13th’s reputation, but there’s also a lot of coincidence involved. Some things that happen regularly include:
- A lack of the number thirteen on building floors in Western countries.
- Avoiding making important decisions on Friday the 13th of any year.
The Fear of What You Attribute to It!
Dr. Caroline Watt of the University of Edinburgh points out that believing Friday the 13th is unlucky can actually create a self-fulfilling prophecy. Basically, if you believe something bad will happen, you’re more likely to be anxious and, well, that anxiety can actually increase your chances of an accident. I can relate. We’ve noticed that negative thinking spirals.
This idea kinda echoes the whole “Law of Attraction” thing, you know, the concept that thinking positively attracts good things into your life. Basically, our thoughts are like magnets, attracting what we focus on!
What Can People Do About This Fear?
To understand this fear, or phobia, researchers have done extensive studies on different types of fears. They found that phobias are often irrational fears that negatively affect a person’s ability to function in daily life.
So, if you find yourself really stressed on Friday the 13th, it might be linked to the general stigma around the number 13. I mean, some historians think that this association stems from Eve tempting Adam with the apple on a Friday or that the Great Flood started on a Friday too, you start to adopt the perceptions with it.
So, is fearing this day really a rational thing, or do you just get a bad feeling because of the negative associations?
“I used to get so anxious about Friday the 13th, thinking something terrible was bound to happen. But then I realized it was all in my head. I started focusing on the good things in my life, and guess what? The day went by without a hitch!”
“You know, I never really gave Friday the 13th much thought until everyone started talking about it. Then I got a flat tire that day and started thinking it was cursed. Now I just try to stay positive and remind myself it’s just another day.”
Myth & Facts
Question: Does Friday the 13th really cause more accidents?
Answer: Studies haven’t shown any conclusive evidence that more accidents happen on Friday the 13th. It’s mostly about perception and belief.
Myth: Something terrible *must* happen on Friday the 13th.
Fact: Nah, that’s just superstition talking! It’s just another day, folks!
Question: Is there a treatment for the fear of Friday the 13th?
Answer: If it’s a severe phobia, therapy can help. But for most of us, just acknowledging the superstition and focusing on the positive can do the trick.
Ultimately, whether you embrace the superstition or shrug it off is up to you. For me, I’m choosing to see it as just another day… a day to maybe be a *little* extra cautious, but mostly a day to appreciate the good things in life. And, yes, maybe double-check my tires before heading out!
