Friday the 13th, for many, is a day that comes with an extra dose of bad luck. The superstitions surrounding this date have become so popular that the number 13 has been avoided in buildings, airports and even sporting events. But have you ever wondered how this day is perceived in other cultures? Is Friday the 13th dreaded around the world or are there other days that are considered more unlucky in other parts of the globe?
Friday the 13th in Western Culture: Where Does it all Come From?
To understand why Friday the 13th is so famous in many countries, we need to go back to history and mythology. The combination of Friday, a day associated with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and the number 13, which has always been seen as a bad omen, ended up forming a sort of “bad luck cocktail”.
There are several theories as to why the number 13 is considered unlucky. One of the most popular comes from the Last Supper: there were 13 people present, and it was Judas, the traitor, who completed that number. Also mentioned is Friday, October 13, 1307, when King Philip IV of France ordered the capture of the Knights Templar, which led to their destruction.
And if we add to this horror movies like Friday the 13th and the chilling image of Jason with his mask, it is easy to see why this date has gained its sinister fame!
Spain and Tuesday the 13th: Worse than Friday the 13th?
If in Anglo-Saxon culture Friday the 13th is feared, in Spain and in some Latin American countries, such as Argentina or Mexico, it is Tuesday the 13th that causes chills. The famous phrase “On Tuesday, neither marry nor get married” reflects the belief that this day is particularly unlucky.
Why Tuesday? In many Latin cultures, this day is associated with Mars, the god of war in Roman mythology. Mars represents destruction, conflict and chaos, which gives Tuesday a connotation of danger. And if we add to that the number 13, already considered a bad omen, we can understand why in these countries Tuesday the 13th is synonymous with bad luck.
Italy and Friday the 17th: Another Number to be Afraid of
If you ever travel to Italy, you will be surprised to learn that they do not fear Friday the 13th, but Friday the 17th. For Italians, 17 is the number that brings bad luck, and this has a curious explanation.
In Roman numerals, 17 is written as XVII, but if you rearrange the letters, you can form the word “VIXI,” which in Latin means “I have lived,” that is, you are already dead. For this reason, many Italians view the number 17 with suspicion. So much so that some hotels and airlines in Italy omit this number from rooms and seats.
Japan and the Number 4: A Superstition with a Different Vibe
In Japan, the number 4 is the unlucky number, and this superstition is so widespread that many buildings and hospitals avoid the fourth floor. Why? The number 4 is pronounced “shi,” which sounds the same as the Japanese word for “death.” Therefore, the number 4 is a big taboo in Japan.
This is not directly related to Friday or the 13th, but it shows how different cultures can develop their own superstitions based on something as simple as the pronunciation of numbers.
China: Beware of 4 and 8
As in Japan, in China the number 4 is seen as a bad omen for the same reason. However, 8 is considered the lucky number. Its Mandarin pronunciation, “ba,” sounds similar to the word meaning “prosperity” or “wealth.” That’s why days containing the number 8 are often considered especially lucky for weddings, business and other important events.
America and the Fear of Hotels
Returning to the West, in the United States and other Anglo-Saxon countries, the influence of Friday the 13th is such that many buildings avoid having a 13th floor. If you’ve ever stayed in a hotel that goes from the 12th to the 14th floor, now you know why! This superstition has become part of popular culture, although most know it is just that: a superstition.
Bad Luck or Just Coincidence?
Although Friday the 13th and other “unlucky” dates may cause a bit of paranoia, at the end of the day, it all depends on one’s beliefs. In many cultures, these days are just that: days, and the bad luck we attribute to them is just a cultural construct.
The curious thing is how these beliefs vary from one country to another, depending on history, mythology and even language. What is for sure is that, whether it’s a Friday the 13th, a Tuesday the 13th or a Friday the 17th, superstitions always make us think twice before planning something big on those days!
So, next time a Friday the 13th comes around, instead of worrying, why not take advantage of it to watch a good horror movie, relax and remember that real bad luck is just a matter of perspective?
