Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Superstition Persists on Friday the 13th Even as Data Debunk the Myth

Travelers benefit from discounted flights today as airlines and hotels omit the number 13 despite statistical analyses showing no increase in accidents or market losses.

Image
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • The belief that Friday the 13th brings bad luck dates back to Christian lore linking Judas’s betrayal and events like the 1929 Black Friday crash.
  • Two distinct phobias are recognized: Paraskavedekatriaphobie for fear of the date and Triskaidekaphobie for fear of the number itself.
  • Traffic figures from the ADAC confirm that accident rates on Fridays falling on the 13th align with or fall below the average for all Fridays.
  • Many airlines and hotels skip row or room 13, and Kayak reports significantly lower airfare on Friday the 13th due to reduced traveler demand.
  • An analysis by the Bespoke Investment Group shows the S&P 500 has closed higher on a majority of Friday the 13th sessions compared with the long-term average.