US EditionWhat's Behind the Fear and Superstitions on Friday the 13th?
The superstition originates from Biblical and medieval events, including Judas as the 13th guest and the 1307 Knights Templar arrests, with 3 Friday the 13ths in 2026.
- Today is Friday, March 13, 2026, one of three Friday the 13ths this year, following Feb. 13 and preceding Nov. 13.
- Scholars trace the superstition to Biblical accounts, citing Judas Iscariot as the 13th guest at the Last Supper and Jesus' crucifixion traditionally occurring on a Friday.
- The arrest of the Knights Templar on Friday, Oct. 13, 1307, involved King Philip IV of France ordering mass arrests amid secret rites accusations, often cited as the superstition's medieval source.
- Popular culture amplified the superstition: Thomas W. Lawson's 1907 novel triggered a Wall Street panic, Jason Vorhees stars in over a dozen films, and Boston hotels omit the 13th floor.
- Surveys show only 14 percent of Protestants and 15 percent of Catholics find 13 unlucky, while Spain fears Tuesday the 13th and Italy considers 13 lucky.
17 Articles
17 Articles
What's behind the fear and superstitions on Friday the 13th?
Why all the fuss?
The Surprisingly Christian Origin of Friday the 13th
Most Christians don’t really consider themselves superstitious. Only 14 percent of Protestants and 15 percent of Catholics think there’s something unlucky about the number 13, and only 20 percent of Protestants and 27 percent of Catholics think knocking on wood keeps bad luck at bay. That’s not surprising, since most American Christians don’t see superstition as squaring with their idea of the Bible. But it is a little ironic, since these supers…
The 13 is considered an accident number - not only on Friday: Airlines don't have a row 13. Many football teams don't have a player with the number 13. Why do people believe in it? By Anke Mautner-Culetto.
It has reasons why we expect bad things on a Friday, the 13th. However, it is others than many think. As psychologists say about it and how to approach the day more calmly.
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