Superstitious individuals have a lot to talk about this year. For the second time this year, we’re celebrating the day associated with horror movies and bad luck.
What’s even freakier is the fact today, April 13, 2012, is exactly 13 weeks after 2012′s first Friday the 13 in January. The next Friday the 13th will be on July 13, exactly 13 weeks after today. This hasn’t happened since 1984.
The last time there were three Friday the 13ths was in 2009, and this won’t happen again until 2015. According to Tom Fernsler, a University of Delaware math professor that goes by the name Dr. 13, said that 2012 is extra special because the three Fridays are happening during a leap year. This won’t happen again until 204o.
Fernsler also pointed out that in a 400-year period, the 13th falls on Friday 688 times, more than any other day of the week.
So why are people so antsy about Friday the 13th? There are several origins to the belief, rooted in mythological, religious and cultural traditions. In fact, so many people have been freaked out by the date that there are two officials names to describe the fear: Friggatrikaidekaphobia and paraskevidekatriaphobia.
Here are some of the reasons why:
In Christianity, Judas was the 13th guest of the Last Supper. Judas went on to betray Jesus, who was then crucified on a Friday.
The medieval Knights Templar were imprisoned on a Friday the 13th.
Rap icon Tupac Shakur died on Friday, Sept. 13, 1996, and to this day mysteries and conspiracy theories surround his death.
And then, of course, there’s that whole Friday the 13th horror movie thing.
The number 13 itself causes people to get antsy. The majority of buildings don’t have a thirteenth floor, and some airports don’t have a thirteenth gate. Ancient Romans believed that witches gathered in groups of 13 and the 13th person joining them was the devil.
The Stress Management Centre and Phobia Institute notes that people do avoid doing business or flying on Friday the 13th, and estimated that $800 million to $900 million is lost on the date.
