Friday the 13th - Black Friday

This week is Black Friday, which is the name given to Friday the 13^th and has become known as a superstition unlucky day. There is a least one Friday the 13^th each year and can happen up to three times in a year. If the month starts on a Sunday, there will be a Friday the 13^th.

Friday the 13^th can make people more careful to avoid things they usually aren’t afraid to do. Sometimes you might tend to notice it more if ad things happen on the day, but Black Friday is only a superstitions. We grew up with the advice, do not open an umbrella inside your house or walk under a ladder. Breaking a mirror will give you 7 years bad luck. These are superstitions, or a belief that something bad will happen even if there is no reason to think that it will.

According to the biblical traditions, 13 guest attended the Last Supper, held on Maundy Thursday, including Jesus and his 12 apostles. The next day was Good Friday and the day of Jesus crucifixion.

Friday 13^th March 2020, is a date that reminds many of the start of the Covid-19 world pandemic. The time when the world started to close down to stop the spreed of the Corona-virus.

I have read that it is unclear how and why Friday and the number 13 first became linked, but the unlucky date inspired a 19th century secret society and 20th century pop culture — including the 1907 novel "Friday, the Thirteenth" and 1980 horror film "Friday the 13th." And the superstition has bled outside of stories. It is interesting that even today, many hotels don't have a 13th floor.

I hope everyone has a safe Friday the 13^th, the next Black Friday is next year on the 13^th is January 2023.

Betty Matthews

13 May 2022