The date Friday the 13th sends shivers down many people's backs. As another Friday the 13th arrives in the spooky month of October, it raises the question of why we are so averse to the haunting date. The infamous and superstitious date is notoriously known for being one of bad luck, so some people avoid fear-induced activities on the date. It has played a significant role in Western superstition and it has developed into an irrational fear for most as the date swings around every year.
Considered a harbinger of bad luck, Friday the 13th is very misunderstood. There is no clear-cut answer as to why the date stokes paralyzing terror into people but the lore is said to be traced back to ancient Christian mythology. Some say that the day is so unlucky because Friday was the day that Jesus was crucified and 13 symbolizes the number of disciples at the Last Supper, with the duplicitous Judas as the 13th person seated at the table.
Regardless if you do not believe in all the hoopla surrounding the date and its superstitious origins and implications, you may have experienced the woes of this bad luck Friday one way or another. But for the most part, the date doesn't deserve the reputation it receives from the general public. Here are 13 surprising facts about Friday the 13th that will help de-horrify the seemingly dark-side date.