In 2026, we will have two Friday the 13ths across two consecutive months. How lucky is that?
Friday the 13th is widely considered an unlucky or ‘spooky’ day in Western culture, merging the fear of the number 13 (triskaidekaphobia) with the superstition that Friday is an unlucky day. It is largely a modern, rather than an ancient, cultural phenomenon.
Origins of the Spooky Reputation
- Biblical References: Fear stems from the Last Supper, where the 13th guest (Judas) betrayed Jesus, followed by the Crucifixion on a Friday.
- Norse Mythology: A myth tells of 12 gods hosting a banquet when the trickster Loki arrived uninvited as the 13th guest, causing chaos.
- Knights Templar: A significant historical event occurred on Friday, October 13, 1307, when King Philip IV of France arrested many Knights Templar, leading to torture and execution.
- Cultural “Completeness”: The number 12 is often seen as “complete” (12 months, 12 zodiac signs), making 13 an unbalanced, “scary” number.
Fun Facts & Folklore
- Scientific Name: Fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskavedekatriaphobia.
- Alternative Superstitions: In Spanish-speaking countries, Tuesday the 13th (martes trece) is considered unlucky, while in Italy, it is Friday the 17th.
- Pop Culture: The 1980s horror film franchise Friday the 13th cemented the day’s association with spooky, fictional terror.
- No Evidence: Research has shown that the day is no more dangerous or unlucky than any other day, according to SBS Australia.
Some people embrace the day for themed parties, watching horror movies, or even finding it lucky because of the extra caution people exercise.
For the first one, back in February, I explored the very non-spooky origins of this auspicious day. You can read that post here.
For this Friday the 13th, I am leaning into Western superstition and sharing a few spooky reads you might like to enjoy this weekend.
Grave Boy tells the story of Jasem, a little boy growing up in Jordan. When tragedy strikes his nomadic family, Jasem’s inherited psychic abilities are revealed, and he sets out to use his gift for the greater good. Instead, Jasem finds himself on an unlikely journey seeking justice for the dead. From the deserts of Wadi Rum in Jordan to the cities of New York and Los Angeles, Grave Boy is an intriguing story with equally intriguing characters, blending history, reinvention, crime, inheritance, and horror.
The supernaturally suspenseful sequel to
Grave Boy
Following a life-altering act of betrayal, Dylan is determined to bury the past and make a fresh start for his family. His good intentions are challenged by a sinister stranger, who is determined to dig up the past, threatening to jeopardize Dylan’s efforts to make amends.
Based on true events, The Graveyard Shift tells the story of Cole, a medical student working the night shift, who starts to experience unusual events at the old hospital where he works.
This short story was selected in the Spooky But True Short Story Competition
(Western Australia)
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