: Historically regarded as an unlucky day to begin any new venture. In Norse mythology, Frigg (the goddess Friday is named after) was sometimes depicted as a witch, and in Christian lore, Friday was the day of the Crucifixion. History or Hollywood?
: Airlines often see a dip in bookings, and some planes lack a Row 13. Venerdì 13
: Many buildings skip the 13th floor, jumping straight from 12 to 14. : Historically regarded as an unlucky day to
: Long considered "irregular" compared to the "perfect" 12 (12 months, 12 zodiac signs, 12 gods of Olympus). In Christian tradition, Judas was the 13th guest at the Last Supper. : Airlines often see a dip in bookings,
: Some studies suggest there are actually fewer accidents on Friday the 13th—not because of magic, but because people are so nervous that they drive and act more cautiously than usual.
The superstition, known technically as , is a "double whammy" of two ancient anxieties:
To prove the fear was nonsense, Captain William Fowler founded "The Thirteen Club" in 1881. At their first meeting on Friday the 13th, 13 members walked under ladders, spilled salt, and dined in Room 13. They all survived, and the club eventually included five U.S. Presidents. Real-World Effects Whether the luck is real or not, the economic impact is: