5 Friday the 13th Superstitions Rooted in Truth

February 13, 2026

Today is Friday the 13th, a day that is swimming in superstitions. It has a reputation for being the unluckiest day on the calendar. However, most people don’t realize that some of the most famous fears tied to this day actually come from real historical events. Whether you’re someone who avoids travel, skips big decisions, or laughs off the date entirely, knowing the truth behind these beliefs adds a new layer of meaning. Here are five things you need to know about the origins of Friday the 13th superstitions.

1. The Fear of the Number 13 Has Ancient Roots

Many Friday the 13th superstitions start with the number 13 itself, which has been considered unlucky for thousands of years. Ancient cultures often viewed 12 as a “complete” number (think months of the year, zodiac signs, and hours on a clock), so 13 felt like an unsettling disruption.

Historians believe the fear may also stem from Norse mythology, where a 13th guest at a feast caused chaos and death. Over time, this association with imbalance and misfortune spread across Europe and into modern Western culture. By the time Friday the 13th became a combined superstition, the number 13 already had a long history of bad luck attached to it.

2. A Biblical Story Helped Cement the Day’s Reputation

One of the most widely cited origins of these beliefs comes from Christian tradition. At the Last Supper, Judas (the disciple who betrayed Jesus) was the 13th guest at the table. The crucifixion is also believed to have taken place on a Friday, which added another layer of negativity to the date. When these two elements merged, Friday plus the number 13 became a symbolic pairing of betrayal and tragedy. This connection influenced centuries of cultural beliefs, shaping how people viewed the date long before modern horror movies made it famous.

3. A Real Historical Mass Arrest Fueled the Fear

One of the most dramatic real-world events tied to Friday the 13th superstitions happened in 1307. On Friday, October 13th, King Philip IV of France ordered the mass arrest of the Knights Templar, a powerful and wealthy military order. Thousands were imprisoned, tortured, or executed under accusations widely believed to be politically motivated.

The event shocked Europe and left a lasting stain on the date, especially because the Templars were seen as protectors of the faith. This historical tragedy helped solidify Friday the 13th as a day associated with betrayal, injustice, and sudden misfortune.

4. Early Sailors Believed Fridays Were Bad Luck for Voyages

Long before modern travel, sailors were deeply superstitious, and many believed that setting sail on a Friday invited disaster. This belief eventually merged with the fear of the number 13, creating one of the earliest superstitions tied to real-world risk. Maritime records show that Fridays were often avoided for launching new ships or beginning long journeys.

Some historians think this came from religious traditions that viewed Friday as a day of mourning or solemnity. Whether or not the fear was justified, it shaped centuries of nautical culture and contributed to the date’s unlucky reputation.

5. Psychological Studies Show the Fear Can Influence Real Outcomes

While many of these beliefs come from ancient stories, modern science has found that the fear itself can create real-world effects. Studies show that people tend to drive more cautiously, avoid major purchases, and even skip medical appointments on this date. Some researchers believe the anxiety surrounding Friday the 13th can increase stress levels, which may lead to more accidents or mistakes. In other words, the superstition becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The belief in bad luck can actually cause people to behave in ways that make the day feel unlucky.

Superstitions Stick Because They Tell Us Something About Ourselves

Whether you take Friday the 13th superstitions seriously or see them as harmless fun, their staying power says a lot about human nature. We’re wired to look for patterns, explanations, and meaning… even in dates on a calendar. These stories remind us that fear often comes from history, culture, and the way we interpret events, not from the day itself. Understanding the roots behind these beliefs can make the date feel less ominous and more like a fascinating piece of shared folklore. And who knows? Maybe knowing the truth will make your next Friday the 13th feel a little less spooky.

Do you believe Friday the 13th brings bad luck, or do you think it’s all superstition? Share your thoughts in the comments.