Unlucky for some

How did Friday the 13th get its reputation for being ‘unlucky’?

The origins of ‘Black Friday’ are variously described as being associated with evil including ‘The Last Supper’ where Judas was apparently the 13th guest; the crucifixion of Jesus being on a Friday; the Bible’s Abel being slain on a Friday and Eve tempting Adam with an apple just before the weekend. It wasn’t a good day for many of the Knights Templar in 1307 either when many were arrested and tortured simultaneously throughout France by officers of King Philip IV. However, historically, there is no one event that the Friday 13th superstition can be linked to.

Today, thousands of people will avoid black cats, be extra careful around ladders and even avoid stepping on the cracks in the pavement ‘just in case’.

The Stress Management Centre and Phobia Institute notes more than 17 million people are affected by a fear of Friday 13th and Wikipedia reports an estimated $NZ1.1 billion to $NZ1.2 billion will be lost in business worldwide because people will not fly or do business they would normally do today.

However it came about, Friday 13th’s reputation for bringing bad luck and being unlucky is as strong as ever. Rational thinking doesn’t necessarily get a look-in when where reputation’s concerned. Whatever we believe reinforces our view so if we think it’s unlucky we’re likely to find evidence that proves us right. If we believe it’s hogwash, we’re likely to find evidence to support this too.

Of course this doesn’t help the retailers, transport services and other service providers unable to tempt the superstitious out of bed! And while 4-leaf clovers, St Christopher charms and a rabbits foot might help some get the through the day without incident that wee rabbit’s foot clearly wasn’t lucky for the rabbit.

Incidentally, those with a fear of spelling might also want to avoid paraskavedekatriaphobia – which means ‘Friday’, ‘13′ and ‘phobia’.