Today is the 13th. On days like these, superstitious people like to stay in bed in anticipation of impending disaster, and many people are nervous about the important test or meeting of the day. But why is Friday the 13th considered the day when a particularly large number of accidents can occur?
There is no clear explanation. It has absolutely nothing to do with the so-called “Black Friday” of 1929, which, as is often claimed, was the biggest stock market crash in the United States. This was neither on the 13th nor on a Friday – because in the US the accident occurred on Thursday, but in Europe it was only noticed on Friday (two years ago there was a huge price drop on the Berlin Stock Exchange on a Friday ) 13.).
Unlucky weekday and unlucky number combination
It is no longer a single event, but is considered likely to be a combination of the day of the week and the number that makes this date special. For example, for Christians, Friday is a day of mourning because Jesus was crucified on Good Friday. It was also a Friday when Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden.
The number 13 is always considered unlucky. In the German vernacular, it has long been referred to as the “devil’s dozen”. It’s his only fault that he came after “twelve”.
In fairy tales, the number 13 means evil.
The 12 is considered sacred in many cultures, and what comes after it must therefore be evil. The year has twelve months, day and night are twelve hours each, and so on. In fairy tales, the number 13 is often given a negative connotation, for example in “Sleeping Beauty”, where the 13th fairy, whose magic brings misfortune to the royal family.
Or at the last supper that Jesus gave – of course – with his twelve apostles. The thirteenth guest, Judas, betrayed Jesus that same evening. Even today, many hotels avoid having a 13th floor.
Statistically, no more accidents on Friday the 13th
So does it make sense to be extra careful on Friday the 13th? Statistically, there are no more accidents on this day than any other day (at least once and at most three times a year in history). However, there have been events that contributed to the Friday the 13th cult on this day in history. The most striking examples can be found in the image gallery.