Is Friday The 13th REALLY Unlucky

Is Friday The 13th REALLY Unlucky? Some people actually think the number 13 is a lucky number. However, others steer clear. And when the calendar date falls on Friday, well we prepare for all manner of hell to break loose. According to Live Science, statistical data does not back up the claim. Scientist, in many instance, believe the concept of luck is something that occurs in each of our heads. Do you carry around any kind of lucky charm? However, there have been hospital reports around the world of the increase in accidents on this day.

According to History, in Christian culture of the superstition was bolstered by the seating at the Last Supper with Jesus and his 12 disciples. That made 13 guests. Jesus was crucified the next Friday.

What not to do on Friday the 13th

If you take stock in the designation that today is or can be unlucky here are a few things to stay away from and avoid doing.

• Don’t allow a black cat to cross your path
• Be careful with mirrors, don’t break them
• Avoid walking under a ladder
• Don’t spill salt
• Be conservative with actions and investments

Friday the 13th on the big screen

It’s a tradition for  many on this day. Going old school and pulling out the original Friday the 13th film from 1980. The movie franchise now has twelve films. The  most recent release was in 2009. The plot surrounds the tale of Jason Voorhees, drowning while attending Camp Crystal. Of course the camp is in the middle of the woods. The lake is allegedly cursed. At some point, the slasher shows up wearing the character’s signature hockey mask.

In conclusion and in answering the centuries old question, is Friday The 13th REALLY unlucky? I suppose only you can answer that question. Hope you wake up tomorrow with a sigh of relief that all is well.

 

Friday the 13th - Bizarre Superstitions from Around the World

• Throw Salt Over Your Shoulder

  Anyone who is superstitious knows if you spill salt, you have to throw it over your left shoulder. That apparently comes from Ancient Romans who believed that would ward off the devil. It was said that it would hit him in the face and blind him. Seems kinda rude in my opinion, but I don’t have the devil following me around. At least I don’t think. Spilling salt is also associated with Jesus since in Leonardo da Vinci’s painting The Last Supper, you see Judas spilling salt. Maybe he was just clumsy? Either way, if you spill salt on Friday the 13th or any other time DO NOT under any circumstances do what Harry did in ‘Dumb & Dumber.’

   

• Broomsticks - Not Just For Witches

  This one doesn’t sit well with me for a bunch of reasons, but here we go. This superstition says that if you don’t want to be single for the rest of your life, don’t let a broom sweep across your feet. If it does happen, there is a way to reverse it, but it’s gross. If a broom sweeps across your feet, make sure you IMMEDIATELY spit on that broom! Take that, witches mode of transportation! I couldn’t find the origin of this one, but it’s said that a woman (I’m going to include all people in this though) that can’t keep the house tidy, is not a good partner. But sure, spitting on the broom is super clean.

  

   (Photo by Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images)

• The Number Four

  This comes from the Eastern Asia area and is similar to our fear of the number thirteen. In China, the sound of “four” sounds like death and in Korea and Japan, four and death are actually the same. At least thirteen is a prime number? Not sure that counts for anything.

  

  (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

• Rabbit, Rabbit, Ya Say?

  As someone who has lived their entire life in North America, I have never heard of this, but apparently people on this continent believe that if you say “rabbit, rabbit” on the first of the month, it will bring you luck. I’ve heard that rabbits feet are lucky, but this one is new to me.

  

  (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

   

• Don't Walk Backwards!

  People in Portugal believe that if you walk backwards, it’s an invitation for the devil since you’re showing him where you live or where you’re going. What if I’m going to the dumpster though?

  

  (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

• Tuck Your Thumbs, Save a Life!

  People in Japan believe that when you visit the cemetery, you must tuck your thumbs. This is a similar superstition to the number four… Kinda.”Thumb” means “parent figure” in Japanese so by tucking your thumb, you are protecting your parent from death. Seems logical.

  

   (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

• Cue Up Amii Stewart and Knock On Wood!

  I feel like we all know this one. I know I’ve been saying “knock on wood” since I was a kid, but did you know there are a bunch of different origins? The Celtic or Indo-European belief is that by knocking on wood, you are calling on spirits or gods of trees for protection. There was also a game in the 19th century called ‘Tiggy Touchwood’ (which sounds like an HR violation) where the players who are touching wood stay in the game. Other cultures have similar variations of this belief like touching steel, poles, unpainted wood, wood with no legs or knocking on wood twice. All I know is that the music video for Amii Stewarts “Knock On Wood” is FANTASTIC.

   

• Don't Say Happy Birthday If It's Not

  In Russia they believe that if you wish someone a happy birthday before their actual birthday it will bring bad luck. Fortunately, if you forget to wish someone a happy birthday you can still do it. If we know anything about Russia, it’s that you follow the rules so don’t do this if you ever go there!

  

  (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

• Don't Give Me Dandelions!

  I don’t know if dandelions are actually flowers and this isn’t specific to them, but more so yellow flowers in general. In Russia, if you give someone yellow flowers it is considered inappropriate. Not in an HR violation kind of way, but more like it is said to bring problems in relationships like separation, infidelity and death. Again, if you happen to be in Russia, don’t even look at a yellow flower just for your own safety.

  

  (Photo by Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)

• A Lemon A Day Keeps Evil Away

  This is very common in Indian culture. Lemons along with chilies will be hung outside the home to stop evil spirits and bad omens from entering your home. You can also hang them on your car or bike, and after that maybe make a nice marinade.

  

  (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.)