There’s a reason why Friday the 13th inspired a horror film series! Unlike Spain, Friday the 13th is believed to be a day of bad luck in English-speaking cultures. Historically, both Friday and 13 are considered to be unlucky. So you can imagine that the combination of both causes an irrational fear in people. There’s even a name for it: paraskavedekatriaphobia! Originally, both Friday and 13 were considered to be lucky. The name Friday comes from the Norse goddess Frigg or Freya, the goddess of marriage and fertility. In ancient Egypt, life consisted of 12 stages, so thirteen symbolized death. While the afterlife[1] was appreciated by the ancient Egyptians, later cultures associated the number 13 with a fear of death. Plus the Christian church, which wanted to suppress pagan worship[2], spread the belief that Friday and 13 were unlucky. This was supported by biblical beliefs[3]. Friday is believed to be the day of the week that Eve offered the forbidden apple to Adam, and when Jesus was crucified. At the Last Supper, there were 13 participants, Jesus and his 12 apostles. So, there you have the two ingredients for an unlucky day!
[1] vida eterna, [2] suprimir adoración pagana, [3] creencias
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