Friday the 13th: What it means and Why is it deemed unlucky?
Friday and the number 13 have traditionally been seen as bad combinations. But why, how frequently, and what is the history behind Friday the 13th being deemed unlucky?
By ET Spotlight Special |
Agencies
The date, Friday the 13th, has been associated with bad luck for a very long time, as seen by the numerous literature and horror movies titled after it as well as Biblical parallels.
What is Friday the 13th?
The day comes when the Gregorian calendar's 13th day of the month falls on a Friday, which happens at least once a year but up to three times in one year. In the Western culture, it has long been considered unlucky.
In 2023, it will take place today and on Friday, October 13.
Why is 13 deemed to be unlucky?
Since the Middle Ages, when Christians connected the number of guests seated at the final supper, the evening before "Good Friday" and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the phrase "unlucky 13" has been linked with bad luck.
One of Jesus Christ's disciples, Judas Iscariot, betrayed him to the Sanhedrin in the Garden of Gethsemane by kissing him on the cheek and calling him "master" in order to expose his identity to the crowd gathered to capture him in the darkness. He is frequently mentioned when someone is charged with treachery or betrayal. The dinner's 13th guest was Judas.
When combined with the fact that the Code of Hammurabi, one of the first rule books created in the 18th century B.C., had no 13th rule, the number 13 was thought to bring bad luck, even death or disaster.
Indian indices tumbled for the third session in a row on Thursday, with investors on edge ahead of earnings from IT companies and key domestic and US inflation data for cues on the likely path for rate hikes. At the close, Nifty ended 38 points lower at 17,858, and the broader markets also ended in the red.
“In the past few weeks, Nifty slipped below 17,800 multiple times, however, it managed to defend 17,800 on a closing basis. Further consolidation is expected as long as levels of 17,800 are decisively held. Bank Nifty remained choppy, but remained above previous session’s low; important support for the BankNifty is seen near 41,500. About half of Nifty components settled in the positive territory, due to earning season stocks’ specific action is expected to continue,” said Amit Trivedi, CMT, Technical Analyst - Institutional Equities, Yes Securities.
What is Friday the 13th?
The day comes when the Gregorian calendar's 13th day of the month falls on a Friday, which happens at least once a year but up to three times in one year. In the Western culture, it has long been considered unlucky. In 2023, it will take place today and on Friday, October 13.
Why is 13 deemed to be unlucky?
Since the Middle Ages, when Christians connected the number of guests seated at the final supper, the evening before "Good Friday" and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the phrase "unlucky 13" has been linked with bad luck.One of Jesus Christ's disciples, Judas Iscariot, betrayed him to the Sanhedrin in the Garden of Gethsemane by kissing him on the cheek and calling him "master" in order to expose his identity to the crowd gathered to capture him in the darkness. He is frequently mentioned when someone is charged with treachery or betrayal. The dinner's 13th guest was Judas.
When combined with the fact that the Code of Hammurabi, one of the first rule books created in the 18th century B.C., had no 13th rule, the number 13 was thought to bring bad luck, even death or disaster.
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“In the past few weeks, Nifty slipped below 17,800 multiple times, however, it managed to defend 17,800 on a closing basis. Further consolidation is expected as long as levels of 17,800 are decisively held. Bank Nifty remained choppy, but remained above previous session’s low; important support for the BankNifty is seen near 41,500. About half of Nifty components settled in the positive territory, due to earning season stocks’ specific action is expected to continue,” said Amit Trivedi, CMT, Technical Analyst - Institutional Equities, Yes Securities.
Why is Friday seen as a bad day?
The notion that Friday is unlucky seems to stem from the Christian belief that Jesus was killed on that day. According to the Bible, Eve gave Adam the poisoned fruit on a Friday, the same day that Cain killed his brother Abel. In the United Kingdom, Friday was also known as Hangman's Day since that was the day when prisoners were typically given hanging sentences.FAQs:
- How many Friday the 13th are there in 2023?
Two (today and October 13). - How many Friday the 13th occur in a year?
Minimum one and maximum three times a year.
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