Friday the 13th comes around at least once a year, and while many know its “unfortunate” reputation, few know why.
September 13 marks the first Friday the 13th of 2024, but not the last.
So what exactly makes this day so scary?
Here’s a sneak peek:
It is not clear where this superstition comes from. Some believe it originated in the biblical Last Supper, during which Judas, the unlucky 13th guest, betrayed Jesus. Another biblical belief is that Cain killed his brother Abel on Friday the 13th.
There were also a number of notable deaths on these dates.
It is estimated that over 100 Templars were tortured and then killed by King Philip IV of France on Friday, October 13, 1307.
Beloved rapper Tupac Shakur was killed on Friday, September 13, 1996. Another notable death on a Friday the 13th was that of Julia Child in August 2004.
The number 13 itself carries with it a particularly notorious status.
Some numerologists believe that the number 13 is considered unlucky because of its relationship to the number 12. Numerologists consider 12 to be a “complete” number: 12 months in a year, 12 apostles, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 gods of Olympus, 12 hours on a clock.
According to National Geographic, over 80% of high-rise buildings don’t have a 13th floor. Hospitals don’t have a 13th floor, and many hotels don’t have a room number 13. Some airports don’t even have a gate number 13.
Historian and founder of the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, Donald Dossey, told National Geographic: “It’s estimated that $800 million to $900 million is lost in business that day because people aren’t flying or doing the business they normally would.”
But the number 13 is also considered lucky by some. For pagans, it represents the number of full moons in a year.
Friday the 13th may come in threes, but that won’t be the case for 2024.
All years will have at least one Friday the 13th and up to three Friday the 13ths in a given calendar year.
In 2024, there are two: September 13 and December 13.
Many people suffer from araskavedekatriaphobia (also known as friggatriskaidekaphobia), or fear of Friday the 13th.
If you suffer from triskaidekaphobia, or fear of the number 13, you probably also suffer from araskavedekatriaphobia, or fear of Friday the 13th. Folklore historian Dr. Donald Dossey estimates that 17 to 21 million people suffer from triskaidekaphobia.
Some symptoms of number 13 phobia range from anxiety to panic attacks. Many people do not go to work on Friday the 13th.
The “Friday the 13th” movie franchise is doing well, despite many people’s fears. Since the first film was released in 1980, the 12 films in the franchise have grossed more than $380 million at the global box office, according to Box Office Mojo.
Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen were born on Friday the 13th in 1986. Other celebrities include Steve Buscemi, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kate Walsh and director Alfred Hitchcock.
Musix Box Theater
The Music Box will host an eight-movie marathon on Friday the 13th. Details here.
The Vic Theatre
The Vic Theatre will host a special screening of Friday the 13th starting at 7:30pm. The screening will be restricted to those aged 19 and over. Details here.
Hubbard Inn
The Hubbard Inn is hosting a “Cheers to the Unlucky” bracelet event to celebrate Friday the 13th. Details here.
The insect asylum
The Insect Asylum is having a flash sale on “wicked” henna tattoos this Friday the 13th. Details here.
Gem: A vintage collective
The vintage group will offer custom chain stitching, personalized jewelry, “tooth gems,” tarot readings, and vintage shopping. Details here.
Tattoo Parlor Offers
There are a number of Chicago area tattoo parlors that are offering discounts in honor of the day.
TATTOO TATU (WICKER PARK)
RED DEVIL TATTOO
FUDO TATTOO
CHITOWN TATTOO
DREAM CITY TATTOO
JADE DRAGON TATTOO
PINK RHINO TATTOO
TATTOO FACTORY
TWISTED TATTOO STUDIO
ROCKET TATTOO
NBC Chicago
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