Today's Friday the 13th, get your four-leaf clover out

Today is Friday the 13th and we all know what that means. Picture: Needpix

Today is Friday the 13th and we all know what that means. Picture: Needpix

Published Oct 13, 2023

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Today is Friday the 13th and we all know what that means.

The superstition concerning Friday the 13th is believed to come from the Last Supper, attended on Good Friday by 13 men – Jesus Christ and his 12 disciples – the night before his crucifixion.

However, very little is known about the origins of this well-known day.

Many historians conclude that the superstitions around this day emerged in the late 19th century.

Many people fear what the day entails as it is said that bad things are bound to happen on the day.

However, not all cultures believe or fear Friday the 13th. Tuesday the 13th is considered much more disturbing in Spanish and Greek cultures.

In Italian culture, Friday the 17th is considered to be far more unfortunate than the 13th.

Should we blame this day on a Sunday? Because the month has to start on Sunday for it to have Friday the 13th. If you need proof of this then you can double-check your calendar.

Friday the 13th must happen at least once a year but can happen as many as three times a year. This only happened twice in the year 2020, in March and November.

Millions of people around the world are irrationally terrified of number 13, known as "triskaidekaphobia.

People are also terrified of Friday the 13th, known as "paraskevidekatriaphobia" or "friggatriskaidekaphobia," depending on how you talk.