Friday, the 13th: myth or lucky day? Pleasing surprises!

Friday, the 13th: myth or lucky day? Pleasing surprises!

This Friday, June 13, 2025, reference is made to a widespread superstition in many parts of the western world: the belief that this day brings misfortune. At the same time, however, there are numerous positive events and moments of happiness that have occurred on Fridays, the 13th. So reports Tagesspiegel that is the only Friday this year.

The superstition is deeply rooted in culture. A possible origin is the Christian tradition: Friday is seen as an accident day because Adam and Eva were banished from paradise on Friday and Jesus Christ was crossed on a Friday. In addition, the number 13 is considered inharmonious compared to the "perfect" number 12. According to Wikipedia The irrational fear of this day is so pronounced that it is referred to as paraska -katriaphobia. Many people cancel trips and important appointments or avoid activities on this day.

positive events on Friday, 13th

Despite the widespread superstition, there are many positive events that took place on a Friday, 13th. Examples are:

• Taylor Swift : Your film "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" starts on October 13, 2023. Your favorite number is 13.
• Lotto win : On August 13, 2010, a Frenchman wins 13 million euros in the lottery.
• water on the moon : On November 13, 2009, NASA discovered water on the moon.
• Olympic Games : On August 13, 2004, the Olympic Games begin in Greece.
• Super Mario Bros. : Publication of the game in Japan on September 13, 1985.
• Malta : On December 13, 1974, Malta became a republic.
• heart transplantation : First heart transplantation in the Federal Republic on February 13, 1968.
• gender equity : on October 13, 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson expanded anti -discrimination regulations by gender.
• Evelyn Pinckert Brier : First woman who is licensed as a flight teacher on October 13, 1939.
• dinosaur-egg discovery by Roy Chapman Andrews on July 13, 1923 in Mongolia.
• Hollywood lettering : first set up on July 13, 1923.
• Heavy Metal : Publication of Black Sabbath's debut album on February 13, 1970.
• famous birthdays : among others Fidel Castro (1926), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (1961), Kat Denings (1986) and Sarah Connor (1980).

Statistical evaluations also indicate that on Fridays that fall on the 13th, no more traffic accidents with severe property damage happen than on other Fridays. An examination of the ADAC from 2009 shows that fewer than 900 accident reports are registered on such days, while on other Fridays this number is above 975. According to National Geographic this could be explained by an increased caution of the people on this day.

reasons for the superstition

The fear of Friday, the 13th, has developed over the years and is a product of cultural and religious beliefs. Professor Stuart Vyse explains that many people attribute this fear to the association with the 13th guest at the last sacrament, Judas. This connection, along with the events around the crucifixion of Jesus, creates a "double accident bringer". These beliefs have been reinforced by literature and films that have anchored fear in society.

The superstitions vary depending on the culture: In Spain, Tuesday, the 13th, is the accident day. In Italy, on the other hand, Friday, the 17th, is known as accident. Despite these beliefs, Friday, the 13th, remains a day full of possibilities for positive events and successes.