Why Does Friday The 13th Have Such A Bad Reputation?
Folklore, religion and pop culture have reinforced the superstition for centuries, while businesses lose about $800 million to $900 million, experts say.
- Friday, November 13, 2026, marked the year's third and final Friday the 13th. Meteorologists are simultaneously tracking a potential storm system that could bring precipitation to the Northeast and Great Lakes next week.
- Folklore historian Donald Dossey traces the superstition to Norse myths or the Last Supper, where 13 people gathered. Others attribute the stigma to 13 being incomplete because it follows the "complete" number 12.
- Businesses lose about $800 to $900 million as people avoid work, travel, or big purchases. In France, some hire a 14th guest to avoid the number's perceived bad luck.
- National Weather Service meteorologists report uncertainty regarding the storm's exact path, though cold air is expected to cover the Great Lakes and eastern U.S. by late next week. The system could produce rain or snow depending on temperature.
- Warmer Great Lakes waters may enhance showers, with potential snow accumulations in higher Appalachian terrain. AccuWeather forecasters expect the coldest air mass of the season to bring frost potential to Georgia and Alabama.
33 Articles
33 Articles
For superstitious people around the world, Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day, with many following many anti-luck practices. In fact, there is even a scientific name for those who are excessively afraid - The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskavedekatriaphobia in English (a word that comes from the Greek words Παρασκευδεκατρία, thirteen and φόβη) and as paraskevidekatriaphobia (παρασκευδεκατριαφοβία). Friday the 13th (like today…
The Independent
The Independent (US)The history behind Friday the 13th – and why it’s considered unlucky
Friday 13 is considered by superstitious people a day of bad luck, when journeys, important decisions or beginnings should be postponed. The reputation of this date is explained by legends, religious symbols and interpretations of historical events.
Friday, November 13, 2026, is a time when many people look at it with fear, because of a superstitious spread in many countries. Associated with bad luck, unpleasant events and decisions that should be postponed, Friday 13 has become, over time, a symbol of the poor man. Even if there is no scientific evidence to confirm that this day would bring problems, faith continues to be respected by many people.
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