When we have bad luck on Friday the 13th, we sometimes say, ‘Well, that’s because it’s Friday the 13th.’ And if we buy a lottery ticket with the number 13 on it, we aren’t exactly thrilled. Do you believe this number really brings bad luck? And if so, why? Here are 10 possible reasons.
1. There were 13 people at the Last Supper
Those familiar with Christian tradition know that 13 people attended the Last Supper on the evening before Jesus died (Maundy Thursday, before Easter). The 13th guest to arrive was Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus.
2. The crucifixion supposedly took place on Friday the 13th
While it’s not a proven fact that the crucifixion of Jesus (Good Friday) occurred on a Friday the 13th, many believe this was the case.
3. Biblical stories involving the number 13 are often negative
The Israelites grumbled against God 13 times during the Exodus from Egypt. Psalm 13 deals with wickedness and corruption. These are just a couple of examples of negative biblical narratives associated with the number 13.
4. The mass arrest and execution of the Knights Templar began on Friday the 13th
The Knights Templar protected the Holy Grail. That’s the cup Jesus drank from during his Last Supper (see number 1 on this list). They also protected other sacred objects, including those of European kings. But when the French King Philip IV lost a war against England, he blamed the Templars. Philip IV had them all arrested and executed. This began on Friday, October 13, 1307.
5. A witches’ coven traditionally had 13 members
Although a coven is now generally understood to be any group of witches (or vampires, in some folklore), it was traditionally believed that a coven always consisted of exactly 13 members.
6. There were said to be 13 steps to the gallows
Many are familiar with the popular word game ‘Hangman,’ but the real gallows were far less fun. This structure, used to execute condemned individuals by hanging, reportedly had 13 steps leading up to the platform. Although gallows designs varied, this number is often cited.
7. The number 13 follows the ‘perfect’ number 12 and is considered irregular
The number 12 is often seen as a number of completeness or perfection: 12 months in a year, 12 hours on a clock face, 12 apostles, 12 signs of the zodiac… It’s also highly divisible (by 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12). In contrast, 13 is a prime number, divisible only by 1 and itself. This irregularity compared to the ‘completeness’ of 12 may have contributed to its unlucky reputation.
8. Having 13 letters in your name is supposedly a bad omen
According to an old superstition, having 13 letters in your name means you’re cursed or destined for misfortune. Skeptical? Consider that several notorious murderers had names with 13 letters: Jack the Ripper, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer, Albert De Salvo, and Theodore Bundy. And in case you’re thinking of Adolf Hitler, his baptismal name was Adolfus Hitler (13 letters).
9. Women menstruate approximately 13 times a year
Some suggest that the association of the number 13 with bad luck is linked to the female menstrual cycle. On average, based on a 28-day cycle, women have about 13 periods per year.
10. Chaos is predicted in the 13th millennium according to Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrian teachings predict chaos at the beginning of the 13,000th year. Ancient Persians divided history into four periods of 3,000 years. And while exact timelines can vary, most scholars agree that prophecies suggest evil will rise against good at the start of the 13th millennium (although good is prophesied to ultimately prevail).
