The arrival of Friday the 13th in 2026 marks a date steeped in superstition and fear, with three occurrences this year in February, March, and November. This ominous combination of day and date has long been associated with bad luck, but its origins are deeply rooted in historical events and cultural beliefs.
The Biblical Connection to the Number 13
The superstition is widely believed to originate from the Last Supper, where Jesus Christ and his 12 disciples gathered on Maundy Thursday. This gathering of 13 individuals is linked to Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Christ, who was the 13th guest. The number 13 has since been deemed imperfect and unlucky, contrasting with the number 12, which represents completeness, such as the months in a year or the signs of the zodiac.
The Knights Templar Arrest of 1307
A pivotal historical event that cemented Friday the 13th's unlucky reputation occurred on Friday, October 13, 1307. King Philip IV of France ordered the arrest of hundreds of Knights Templar, a powerful Catholic military order. Under pressure from Pope Clement V, the knights were apprehended based on allegations from an excommunicated former member, who claimed new recruits were forced to spit on the cross, deny Christ, and engage in homosexual acts during initiation ceremonies.
These claims, which were largely without foundation, served as a convenient pretext for King Philip IV to persecute the wealthy order and cancel debts he owed them following wars with England. The knights were charged with moral and financial corruption, as well as worshipping false idols, often after confessions obtained under torture.
The Curse of Jacques de Molay
Many of the Knights Templar were burned at the stake in Paris, including the order's Grand Master, Jacques de Molay. According to tradition, de Molay faced execution in front of Notre Dame Cathedral and uttered a curse on his persecutors, declaring, "God knows who is wrong and has sinned. Soon a calamity will occur to those who have condemned us to death."
This event, initiated by the arrest of the holy warriors, is said to have ensured that every subsequent Friday the 13th would bring bad luck, with de Molay's hex echoing through the ages. The irrational fear of this date is known as paraskevidekatriaphobia, a term derived from Greek words meaning fear of Friday the 13th.
Global Variations of the Superstition
While Friday the 13th is widely feared in many cultures, other regions have their own versions of unlucky dates. In Spanish-speaking countries and Greece, Tuesday the 13th is considered ominous, while in Italy, it is Friday the 17th that carries similar superstitions.
Other Common Bad Luck Omens
Beyond specific dates, numerous other indicators of bad luck persist across cultures. These include:
- A black cat crossing your path
- Breaking a mirror, which is said to bring seven years of misfortune
- Walking under a ladder
- Opening an umbrella indoors
- Mentioning the name of Shakespeare's "Scottish play" (Macbeth) in a theatre, which is believed to curse productions
As the first Friday the 13th of 2026 approaches, these historical and cultural narratives continue to shape perceptions of luck and misfortune, reminding us of the enduring power of superstition in human society.
