Many people consider Friday the 13th to be the unluckiest day of the week, and indeed, the unluckiest date overall.
While technically Friday the 13th is a date and not specifically a day of the week, the perception of Friday the 13th as unlucky heavily impacts the perceived unluckiness of Friday itself.
Why Friday the 13th?
The belief surrounding Friday the 13th being unlucky stems from a combination of factors:
- Biblical Connections: Some believe the superstition is linked to the Last Supper, where Judas Iscariot was the 13th guest to arrive, and Jesus was crucified on a Friday.
- Norse Mythology: In Norse mythology, Frigg (after whom Friday is named) was a powerful goddess who was later demonized after the Norse converted to Christianity. It's speculated that this contributed to Friday's negative association. Also Loki, the trickster god, was the 13th guest to arrive at a feast in Valhalla causing chaos and tragedy.
- Historical Events: There are also historical events connected to Friday the 13th. For example, the arrest of the Knights Templar occurred on Friday, October 13, 1307, which led to their torture and execution.
Paraskavedekatriaphobia or Friggatriskaidekaphobia
The fear of Friday the 13th is a real phobia known as paraskavedekatriaphobia or friggatriskaidekaphobia. People who suffer from this phobia may experience anxiety and avoid normal activities on this day.
Conclusion
While luck is subjective and rooted in superstition, the perception of Friday the 13th as unlucky persists in many cultures, making Friday a contender for the "unluckiest day of the week" due to this strong association.
