Friday the 13th: Unpacking the Myths, Fears, and Real-Life Events

From historical tragedies to cultural superstitions, Friday the 13th has a rich and often misunderstood legacy.

Friday the 13th is often considered unlucky due to various historical and cultural associations, including biblical references and Norse mythology.
Significant events on this date include the arrest of the Knights Templar in 1307, the bombing of Buckingham Palace in 1940, and the declaration of COVID-19 as a national emergency in 2020.
Financial losses on Friday the 13th are estimated to exceed $800 million annually due to people's reluctance to travel, shop, or conduct business.
Despite its ominous reputation, some positive events have occurred on Friday the 13th, such as the discovery of the first dinosaur eggs and the signing of an executive order preventing gender discrimination.
The superstition around Friday the 13th has led to widespread phenomena, such as the omission of the 13th floor in many buildings and the fear of the number 13, known as triskaidekaphobia.