Have you ever wondered why the number thirteen sends shivers down some people’s spines? From skipping floors in buildings to avoiding flight rows, this number has a reputation for being unlucky. But where does this ancient fear actually come from?
For centuries, the number twelve was seen as a symbol of perfection and completeness. Think about it: twelve months in a year, twelve hours on a clock, twelve signs of the zodiac. So, when the number thirteen came along, it was seen as disrupting this perfect harmony.
One major origin traces back to Christianity and the Last Supper. There were thirteen people at the table: Jesus and his twelve apostles. Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Jesus, was the thirteenth guest to arrive, associating the number with betrayal and misfortune.
Norse mythology also plays a part! Imagine a grand feast in Valhalla with twelve gods. Then, the trickster god Loki, uninvited, arrived as the thirteenth guest. His appearance led to chaos and the death of Balder, the god of light and goodness.
Then there’s the infamous Friday the Thirteenth. One widely cited historical event is the arrest of the Knights Templar. On Friday, October 13, 1307, King Philip the Fourth of France ordered hundreds of these powerful knights arrested, tortured, and executed, aiming to seize their wealth.
This deep-rooted superstition, known as triskaidekaphobia, or paraskevidekatriaphobia when it’s specifically about Friday the Thirteenth, still influences us today. Many buildings omit the thirteenth floor, and some airlines skip row thirteen!
So, while there’s no scientific evidence behind the bad luck of thirteen, these historical and mythological tales have certainly cemented its reputation. It just goes to show how powerful our beliefs can be, shaping everything from ancient legends to modern architecture.