Why does this calendar square give us the heebie-jeebies? Let’s investigate.
So... why Friday the 13th? On their own, Fridays and the number 13 have each carried bad vibes for centuries. Together? A perfect little storm of superstition. Why? Well, keep reading for a SPOOKY list made by yours truly: Miss Bogbean.
The Fear of 13: Triskaidekaphobia
The number 13 has long been seen as a rule-breaker—a weird, jagged number that throws off the comforting order of 12. Think about it:
12 hours on a clock
12 months in a year
12 zodiac signs
12 gods of Olympus
12 apostles
12 days of Christmas
...and then bam, along comes 13, all uninvited and sinister.
In Norse mythology, it’s said that Loki was the 13th guest at a dinner in Valhalla that ended in chaos. In Christian tradition, Judas, betrayer of Jesus, was the 13th guest at the Last Supper.
The Friday Factor
Fridays haven’t always been the chill, pre-weekend vibe we know today. In fact, Friday was traditionally considered unlucky in several cultures:
In Christianity, Jesus was crucified on a Friday.
Medieval hangings and executions often took place on Fridays.
Sailors were historically wary of setting sail on a Friday (unless you like angry sea spirits, I guess).
Put Friday and 13 together? Bad news bears.
Modern Panic: Why We Still Care
You can thank the 20th century for kicking the superstition into high gear.
1907 – Thomas Lawson’s novel Friday, the Thirteenth (about a corrupt broker who uses the date to crash the stock market) freaked people out.
1950s–60s – Hotels, airplanes, and buildings start skipping the 13th floor.
1980 – Friday the 13th (yes, the horror movie) turns the superstition into pop culture legend. Jason and his hockey mask are now icons of doom. Low key kinda hot too. Don’t judge me.
Shout out to JunkMixArt on Twitter (X) for this stellar art: You can find them here.
But is it actually cursed?
There’s no real evidence that Friday the 13th causes more bad luck than any other day, but that hasn’t stopped people from:
Avoiding travel
Skipping weddings
Calling in sick to work (no judgment)
Refusing to make big decisions
Blaming the date when literally anything weird happens (again, fair)
As for me, and Miss Bogbean by extension—we love Friday the 13th. My kiddo was born on one, tattoo parlors throw delightfully chaotic flash sales, and honestly? It’s always been one of my luckiest days. Superstition’s a funny thing: sometimes it’s about fear, sometimes it’s just folklore dressed up in mystery. But most of the time? It’s what you make it. Lucky, unlucky, or just another foggy Friday—go on and live it however you like.
Other Unlucky Days Around the World
It’s not just Friday the 13th. Bad vibes are a global phenomenon.
You know how some people won’t walk under ladders or open umbrellas indoors on Friday the 13th? Well, across the globe, other cultures have their own “nope, not today” days, full of omens, suspicions, and highly questionable scheduling decisions.
Tuesday the 13th – Spain, Greece, and Latin America
Martes 13 is the cursed date in many Spanish-speaking and Greek cultures, not Friday!
Why Tuesday?
The day is named after Mars, the god of war and destruction.
In Greek, the word for Tuesday (Triti) means “third,” and bad things are said to come in threes.
On Tuesday, the 13th of April, 1204, Constantinople fell during the Fourth Crusade. That turned the tide of history to where we are today. It was one of those canon, don’t interfere moments.
Basically: bad day, bad number, bad vibes.
“En martes, ni te cases, ni te embarques, ni de tu casa te apartes.” (On Tuesday, don’t get married, don’t travel, don’t even leave your house.)
Friday the 17th – Italy
Yep, not the 13th—Italy goes for 17.
Why?
The Roman numeral for 17 is XVII, which can be rearranged into VIXI, Latin for “I have lived” (aka: I’m dead now).
In ancient Roman culture, this was considered deeply unlucky, like tempting fate with a wink.
Many Italian hotels and airlines skip room or row 17 entirely.
But fun twist: 13 is actually lucky in Italy! It's associated with prosperity and fertility. (Brb moving to Italy.)
Bonus Superstitions to Keep You on Your Toes:
In Japan, the number 4 is unlucky because it’s pronounced “shi,” which also means death. Hospitals often skip Room 4.
In China, the number 8 is lucky, so bad luck can turn around depending on your numerology.
In Scotland, a black sheep in your flock = bad luck. But a black dog at your door at night? Worse. That’s death, babe.
How to Protect Yourself (According to Folklore):
Carry salt in your pocket. Toss it over your left shoulder if things start to feel cursed.
Wear red. In many cultures, red wards off evil…also, it’s a power color.
Sleep with scissors under your pillow. Especially if you fear ghosts or bad dreams (or bad dates).
Don’t whistle indoors. Some say it calls spirits. Others say it just annoys the spirits already there.
Avoid mirrors at night. Just... trust us on this one.
Final Word from Miss Bogbean:
“Unlucky days are like suspicious puddles. Step around them if you can. Dance through them if you must. But don’t pretend they’re not there.”
-Miss Bogbean
Like what you see? Like This Kind of Weird?
Welcome to the Swamp. Swamp Gossip is a folklore-infused, cryptid-sprinkled newsletter written by Miss Bogbean, your local gossip, mushroom enthusiast, and mild witch.
Every month, we bring you:
Haunted HOA drama
Resident spotlights (yes, some are glowing)
Cryptid classifieds
Magical mishaps
And the occasional sentient compost bin
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Thank you so much for reading! I truly appreciate each and every one of you.
Information and Sources:
https://www.history.com/articles/friday-the-13th
https://time.com/3708916/friday-the-13th
https://www.wired.com/2003/06/lucky-13
Behind Miss Bogbean:
I’m Velma Woolf (also known as Aubrie Nixon)—storyteller, folklore fiend, and chronic tea reheater with a deep love for haunted mailboxes, emotionally complex cryptids, and mildly cursed neighborhood drama. Swamp Gossip is my love letter to cozy horror, gossip-as-folklore, and the strange beauty of community when it’s held together by toads, hexes, and hot gossip. I believe in big feelings, small-town weirdness, and writing that makes you laugh, cry, and maybe leave out an offering for whatever lives under the porch.
