Friday that falls on the 13th of the month has been considered for over a hundred years in many cultures as a 'day of troubles.' Some refuse to undertake important tasks and long trips on this date, while others, on the contrary, consider it lucky and set out to conquer new heights. So where did this superstition come from and how should one behave on this mysterious day?
Where the Legend Came From
Researchers agree that the superstition about the 'ominous' Friday the 13th is a relatively recent phenomenon, emerging at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries from the fusion of two ancient superstitions: the unluckiness of Friday and the 'unlucky' number 13.
The first written mention of this combination dates back to 1869. In the biography of Italian composer Gioachino Rossini, who died on Friday, November 13, 1868, an English journalist noted: "If it is true that he, like many Italians, considered Friday an unlucky day and thirteen an unlucky number, it is remarkable that he died on Friday, November 13."
This 'mystical' day was firmly established in the public consciousness by American financier and writer Thomas Lawson, who published a novel titled "Friday, the Thirteenth" in 1907. The popular horror film series that began in 1980 turned this date into a true brand.
What Not to Do on Friday the 13th
Folk beliefs have endowed this day with an impressive list of prohibitions. Most of them concern new beginnings, money, and caution in everyday life.
It is not recommended to:
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Start important tasks. It is believed that new projects, major purchases, deals, and signing contracts on this day are doomed to failure.
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Go on a trip or a long journey. The road may be dangerous or fraught with troubles.
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Get married or have a wedding ceremony. A marriage entered into on this day is believed to be unhappy and unstable.
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Borrow or lend money. It is considered that money borrowed on this day will not be returned or will be wasted.
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Argue, conflict, or resolve disputes. Conflicts on this day may drag on for a long time and have serious consequences.
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Stare at yourself in the mirror for too long. It is believed that the mirror on this day can become a portal, and the reflection may 'steal' luck or health.
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Cut hair and nails. According to some beliefs, this may shorten one's lifespan or bring illness.
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Talk about your dreams. Dreams on this day are considered prophetic, but discussing them is forbidden to avoid attracting misfortune.
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Celebrate excessively, sing, and dance. There is a saying: "Whoever celebrates on Friday will cry on Sunday."
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Gather at a table with a company of 13 people. It is believed that one of those seated will die within a year.
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Pick up found money. According to beliefs, this is 'Satan's gold,' which will bring misfortune and loss.
What You Can Do on Friday the 13th
Despite its gloomy reputation, this day can be spent productively if approached correctly.
Permissible and even beneficial activities include:
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Completing old tasks. The day is perfect for summarizing results, closing projects, and getting rid of everything that has outlived its usefulness.
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Listening to your intuition. It is believed that on this day, people are more sensitive to internal signals and signs of fate.
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Getting rid of excess. A thorough cleaning, decluttering the home, and sorting through old things can help free up space for the new.
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Spending time alone with yourself. Calm reflection, planning for the future, and restoring energy are great ways to spend this day.
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Practicing mindful caution. Research confirms that people who fear Friday the 13th become more attentive and careful. Use this—double-check documents, look around at crosswalks, and plan tasks more thoroughly.
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Doing good deeds. November 13 is celebrated as World Kindness Day in many countries. Helping others creates positive energy and returns manifold.
...The main advice from experts: do not program yourself for failure. If you expect trouble, you will only notice it, ignoring good events. Friday the 13th occurs one to three times a year. Will you really let three days dictate the terms for the other 362? Treat this day like any other, believe in your strengths, and then no superstitions can spoil your mood.
