Friday the 13th: As Israel–Iran war escalates & a US plane falls, why is this date called the unluckiest day? Check its dark history

The arrival of Friday the 13th has once again drawn attention this year, especially as global tensions and dramatic events dominate headlines. Amid the ongoing US–Israel–Iran conflict, reports of a US military aircraft crash on Friday have reignited discussions around the long-standing superstition that the date brings bad luck.

Read more: How did US armed forces lose four aircraft in just a few days during Iran war?

For centuries, Friday the 13th has been associated with misfortune, mysterious events and cultural fear. In 2026, the superstition has gained additional attention because the calendar includes three separate Friday the 13th dates: February, March and November.


Read more: Has the 20-year mystery of Silverpit Crater in 'world’s most dangerous sea' finally been solved?

While many people consider the belief to be simple folklore, the question continues to intrigue historians and cultural observers alike: why has this particular combination of day and date become so widely feared around the world?

Why Is Friday the 13th Considered Unlucky?

The belief that Friday the 13th brings bad luck has developed over centuries through a mix of religious stories, historical events and cultural traditions.

Many people see the combination of Friday, historically viewed as an unlucky day in some traditions, and the number 13, which has long been considered an irregular or unlucky number, as a powerful symbol of misfortune.

Over time, this association spread through folklore, literature and popular culture, strengthening the superstition across different societies.

Did the Last Supper Influence the Friday the 13th Superstition?

One widely discussed origin of the superstition comes from Christian tradition.

According to historical interpretations cited by The Independent, 13 people were present at the Last Supper, Jesus Christ and his twelve disciples. The gathering took place on Maundy Thursday, the day before Jesus was crucified on Good Friday.

The number 13 later became associated with betrayal because Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, was among those present at the table.

In contrast, the number 12 has traditionally symbolised order and completeness in many cultures, representing ideas such as the 12 months of the year or the 12 zodiac signs. This contrast helped reinforce the belief that the number 13 was somehow unlucky.

What Happened on Friday the 13th in 1307?

Another historical event often linked to the superstition occurred in medieval France.

On Friday, 13 October 1307, King Philip IV of France ordered the mass arrest of members of the Knights Templar, a powerful religious military order.

As reported by The Independent, the knights were accused of heresy, corruption and other shocking acts during initiation rituals. Many historians believe these accusations were politically motivated, as the king owed the order significant debts.

Hundreds of knights were imprisoned, and many confessions were allegedly extracted through torture. Several members were later executed, including the order’s Grand Master Jacques de Molay, who was burned at the stake in Paris.

Legend claims that before his death, de Molay cursed those responsible for the persecution, a story that further strengthened the myth that Friday the 13th brings misfortune.

Do All Cultures Fear Friday the 13th?

Interestingly, the fear of Friday the 13th is not universal.

In some Spanish-speaking countries and Greece, people are more concerned about Tuesday the 13th instead. Meanwhile, Italy has its own unlucky date: Friday the 17th.

Different cultures also have their own signs believed to bring bad luck. These include:

• A black cat crossing someone’s path
• Breaking a mirror
• Walking under a ladder
• Opening an umbrella indoors
• Saying the name of Shakespeare’s “Scottish play” inside a theatre

These traditions show how superstitions vary widely across societies while still reflecting a shared fascination with luck and fate.

Why Does the Friday the 13th Myth Still Persist Today?

Despite living in an age of science and technology, the myth of Friday the 13th continues to capture public imagination.

Historians suggest that such beliefs survive because they are passed down through stories, cultural traditions and media portrayals. The date has also been popularised in films, books and television, reinforcing its reputation as an unlucky day.

While many people treat the superstition as harmless folklore, the long history behind Friday the 13th shows how deeply certain cultural beliefs can become embedded over generations.


Inputs from agencies