This famously “unlucky” date has a backstory full of Viking drama, Hollywood horror, elevator mysteries, and even Taylor Swift. Whether you’re a superstitious soul or just love a weird fact, these 13 fascinating Friday the 13th facts will surprise you – and maybe even make you look forward to it. Black cats optional.
It’s a fear with a fancy name
The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia. Say that thirteen times fast – if you dare!
Thanks, Norse Gods…
Some say the superstition started with Loki crashing a fancy dinner as the 13th guest. Classic party foul.
Friday + 13 = Trouble
In olden times, Fridays were already unlucky, and 13 was the odd number. Together? Chaos sandwich mate.
Planes don’t care
Airlines don’t skip row 13 on all planes, as you may have read somewhere. Some do. Some don’t. Basically, it all depends on how spooked your airline is.
It’s not always scary
In Italy, Friday the 17th is the cursed one. Friday the 13th is just another excuse to look fabulous, darling.
It’s a Jason thing too…
The Friday the 13th horror franchise made the date iconic. Hockey masks haven’t been the same since 1980. Or lakeside resorts.
13 gets skipped a lot!
Many buildings go straight from floor 12 to 14. So technically, you’re on the 13th floor but not really…
NASA isn’t scared!
Apollo 13 launched at 13:13 on 4/11/70. Disaster struck, yes – but they got home safely. Space is the ultimate haunted house.
It can happen 3 times a year
Depending on the calendar gods, there can be up to three Friday the 13ths in a single year. Lucky us!
You’re not alone…
Millions of people worldwide avoid normal stuff like flying or getting married on Friday the 13th. Blame the vibes.
It’s good luck somewhere!
In parts of Spain and Greece, Tuesday the 13th is the real bad luck day. Friday? Totally fine. Celebration time!
Taylor Swift loves the number 13
Friday the 13th is Taylor Swift’s lucky day – she was born on the 13th, turned 13 on a Friday, and her first album went gold in 13 weeks. So… maybe it is enchanted.
You’re probably fine
Statistically, you’re no more likely to have an accident on Friday the 13th than any other day. But maybe avoid walking under that ladder, just in case!
