Friday the 13th — for centuries this date has been synonymous with ‘bad luck’ and ‘misfortunes’ sparking fear and superstition in the hearts of many. And this year, the fear is expected to be even stronger, as there are three Friday the 13th dates — in February, March and November.
However, the question remains: Why is the date feared so much?
One of the most widely cited origins comes from Christian tradition — the Last Supper — when 13 persons sat together at the table. It was Jesus Christ and his 12 disciples. The gathering took place on Maundy Thursday, just a day before his crucifixion. The number 13 became associated with betrayal because Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, was present at that gathering, as per a report by The Independent.
Over time, the number was seen as imperfect.
However, that’s not all. There is another incident that is associated with this dreadful date.
King Philip IV of France arrested hundreds of Knights Templar on Friday, October 13, 1307, accusing them of heresy and false worship, as per a report by The Independent. The Catholic crusaders were apprehended, under pressure from Pope Clement V, over allegations made by an excommunicated former member that new recruits to the order were being forced to spit on the cross. Charged with moral and financial corruption and worshipping false idols, often following confessions obtained under torture, many of the knights were later burnt at the stake in Paris. The order’s Grand Master, Jacques de Molay, faced the flames in front of Notre Dame Cathedral and is said to have cried out a curse on those who persecuted its members.
According to the legend, this curse helped cement the idea that Friday the 13th would always bring misfortune. Some also believe that on this day, the ‘veil’ between reality and darkness is at its thinnest, thereby inviting chaos and disaster.
DID YOU KNOW? In Spanish-speaking countries and in Greece, it is Tuesday the 13th that terrifies people, and in Italy, it is Friday the 17th.