Friday the 13th
A Day of Superstitions, Spells, and Silliness!
"Friday the 13th: A Day of Superstitions, Spells, and Silliness!"
Ah, Friday the 13th—a day that sends shivers down the spines of the superstitious and causes black cats to pause in their tracks. But how did this day get such a bad reputation? Let's take a humorous trip down the rabbit hole of superstition to explore why this day is often dubbed "Black Friday" (and no, not the shopping kind).
Why is Friday the 13th Considered Unlucky?
The fear of Friday the 13th, also known as "paraskevidekatriaphobia," has roots that stretch back to ancient times. The infamous day is believed to be cursed because of various biblical events. For instance:
Christ’s Crucifixion: The most famous event, where Jesus was crucified on a Friday, is often cited as a reason Fridays are considered unlucky.
Adam and Eve’s Banishing: According to tradition, Adam and Eve were banished from paradise on a Friday. What a way to start the weekend!
Cain’s Murderous Friday: Cain chose Friday to kill his brother Abel. Sibling rivalry at its peak!
The Tower of Babel: The confusion of languages happened on—you guessed it—a Friday.
If you thought that was bad, just wait until you mix Friday with the number 13!
The Unlucky Number 13
The number 13 has been considered unlucky for centuries. Why? Well, for one, it doesn’t divide neatly into a whole number. This alone was enough to spook the ancient Greeks, who believed 13 held significant sway over human lives.
Then there’s the Last Supper. Jesus dined with his 12 apostles, making 13 at the table. Unfortunately, one of the 12 betrayed him, leading to his crucifixion the next day—on a Friday. So, when the 13th day of the month lands on a Friday, it’s a double whammy of bad luck.
Superstitions to Ward Off Bad Luck on Friday the 13th
So, what can you do to protect yourself from the misfortunes of Friday the 13th? Here are some hilariously bizarre superstitions and spells to keep the bad vibes at bay:
Pull Your Loved One's Hair: If you want to upset someone, just give their hair a yank. It ensures they’ll hate you deeply. How’s that for relationship goals?
Hop Downstairs on One Foot: Want to bring chaos into your life? Try hopping downstairs on one foot. It's said to cause trouble—maybe a twisted ankle or two.
Avoid Getting Out of Bed on the Left Side: To keep evil at bay, exit your bed on the right. Or just stay in bed all day—sounds like a plan!
Beware of Black Cats: If a female black cat crosses your path, walk backward to where she crossed. It might look silly, but better safe than sorry, right?
Put a Sod on Your Head: Feeling the bad vibes? Pop a clump of earth on your head. The theory is that if you’re "under the sod," you’re safe from evil. Just be prepared for some odd looks.
Walk Under a Ladder: Walking under a ladder is bad luck on any day, but on Friday the 13th, it’s practically a disaster waiting to happen. If necessary, take nine steps backward and spin around three times counterclockwise to neutralise the bad mojo.
Spill Salt, But Make It Fashion: If you spill salt, toss a pinch over your left shoulder to blind the lousy spirit lurking there. Who knew salt could be so versatile?
Give a Red-Headed Girl a Pin: On this ominous day, gifting a pin to a red-haired girl is considered lucky—if she accepts it. So, start collecting those pins!
Eat Natural Foods and Drink Pure Water: Strengthen your spirit by going au naturel. Skip the liquor—it’s said to make it easier for spirits to possess you. And no one wants that.
Break a Mirror? No Problem: If you accidentally break a mirror, you’re in for seven years of bad luck. Gather the shards and toss them into a fast-flowing stream to reverse it. Or place all the pieces into a bag with salt and put in the bin up the road. Just don’t cut yourself!
No Sharing Towels: Are you washing your hands or feet in the same basin as someone else? Or using the same towel? You better rethink that, or you might never speak to each other again.
Friday the 13th might be known for its bad luck, but with a bit of humour and these quirky superstitions, you’ll get through the day unscathed—or at least with a good story.
Don't forget that there are usually two times a year that Friday the 13th appears. !
If you feel you need to remove some bad luck in your life feel free to book a private reading.
Sarah Kulkens © 2024
