Friday the 13th is one of the most dreaded days every year. People around the world consider it as an unlucky day. This year, 2017, it occurs two times. One on Jan 13 and the other on Oct 13. Whether abroad or in the Philippines, there are a lot of myths that Filipinos believe up to now. But first, do you even know how everything started?
We don’t mean to take you the ancient times but, yes. It started in the Middle Ages which dates back to the story of Jesus. There are historians that have said that this was actually the day when Eve bit the apple from the Tree of Knowledge. It is also believed to be the day of the great flood. Also, it puts reference to 13 people who were there during the last supper on Maundy Thursday, the day before Jesus Christ was crucified.
Another theory which Dan Brown wrote in his book called, “Da Vinci Code” says the execution of Templar Grand Master Jacques de Molay happened on Friday the 13th. The theory said he cursed Pope and the King of France for many years. Since then, unfortunate events have actually happened on Friday the 13. To name some: a Chilean Air force plane disappeared on Oct 13 1972, the day Rapper Tupac died, terror attack in Paris in 2015, plus numerous accidents. Now it could all be a big coincidence or the curse really does exist.
Did you also know that there actually is a scientific name for the fear of Friday the 13th? It’s called paraskevidekatriaphobia. And fear of the the number 13 is known as triskaidekaphobia.
Now that we have a bit of knowledge on how Friday the 13th came to be, let’s get right into those myths that we are guilty of believing every now and then.
5 Friday the 13th myths and superstitious beliefs
Myth #1 -It’s bad luck to be born on Friday the 13th. Now before you go all worried. Here are some celebs who were actually born on this day. The Hollywood Life confirms Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen were born on this day and as you know they are now fashion moguls. Veep star Julia Loius Dreyfus, Hootie and the Blowfish singer Darius Rucker, Kate Walsh, Bernie Williams and more were born on this day. So, you’re good.
Myth #2 – It’s bad luck to change your bed on Friday the 13th. So is cutting your hair and your nails as well. It’s just bad luck.
Myth #3 – Do not start a new job or business on Friday the 13th. There are numerous studies that say business sales are always bad on this day. So starting something on an already bad day just adds more bad luck. Because Friday the 13th is bad luck, some business men believe that the number 13 also gives bad luck. Hence, some building don’t have a 13th floor.
Myth # 4 – Do not do Funeral processions or you could be next. This is one of those superstitions that people take seriously.
Myth # 5 – Thirteen letters are devilish. There is a belief that says people who have 13 letters in their names have the devil’s luck. They, you, are advised to lay low. To name some in history: Charles Manson and Jack the Ripper.
It’s really up to you if you believe in Friday the 13th and the bad luck it brings. If you’ve got any experiences that are worth sharing, comment below!