Friday the 13th: Not Just a Movie

When you hear “Friday the 13th,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Many think of the movies that follow Jason Voorhees while others think of superstitions. Superstitions are irrational beliefs in supernatural influences.

The superstition surrounding Friday the 13th began in the Middle Ages. It originated from the story of Jesus’ last supper and crucifixion. There were 13 individuals present in the upper room on the 13 floor before his crucifixion, which happened on a Friday. Other religious theories include Eve tempting Adam to eat the apple on a Friday, Adam and Eve dying on a Friday, and the Temple of Solomon was destroyed on a Friday.

The main suggested origin of the superstition of Friday the 13th came from the date of Oct. 13, 1307. Phillip IV of France arrested hundreds of the Knights Templar for heresy. Phillip IV had them tortured into false confessions. Many were burned at the stake while others were sentenced to perpetual imprisonment.

Here are some common superstitions about Friday the 13th in today’s society:

  • A black cat is one of the most popular superstitions. Although, they were not always considered bad luck at first, they have become so in today’s society. In fact, black cats were once worshipped. It was not until the Middle Ages that cats started being associated with witches. Alley cats, that were usually black in color, were often cared for by old ladies who were considered witches.
  • Opening an umbrella inside is another popular superstition. Many people like to say if you open an umbrella inside, bad luck will “rain” on you. To open an umbrella inside was to insult the sun god. Another reason is that using an umbrella supposedly protects you from any kind of “storm” in your life. To open an umbrella inside was an insult to the guardian spirits of your home.

There are many more superstitions out there. There is also many reasons why many people believe that Friday the 13th is bad luck. From something as simple as a cute, black cat to something as ridiculous as opening an umbrella inside a building, there is always something to make people believe that Friday the 13th is bad luck.

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