CHICAGO—It’s Friday the 13th, which should worry some CUToday.info readers, as it’s considered unlucky.
But why? No is sure exactly. Known as “Black Friday” in some countries, it’s a superstition primarily limited to western cultures. It’s also a superstition that really didn’t begin to gain any traction until the 19th century.
Experts cite fear of the number 13, known as triskadekapobia, as one contributing factor. That number, as well as Friday, are both connected to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, with Friday being the day of the crucifixion and 13 being the number of people in attendance at the Last Supper. Of the 13 people at the table, Judas is often depicted as the 13th. As far back as the 14th century, Fridays were considered unlucky days to begin a journey or a new project.
In the U.S., the 1907 publication of Thomas Lawson’s novel, Friday the 13th, is also credited for helping to spread the superstition.
In other cultures, meanwhile, other combinations of days and dates are considered unlucky. In Hispanic and Greek culture, it’s Tuesday the 13th, while in Italy, its Friday the 17th.