Do you get a little nervous when the 13th of the month rolls around or you notice that the total at the register adds up to $13.13? Heck, some buildings don’t even have a 13th floor! But where did this supersitition come from and what can you do to get over your fear of the unlucky number 13?
Triskaidekaphobia: The Fear of Number 13
Triskaidekaphobia is an irrational fear associated with the number 13 in any form and shape. Whether it’s on a clock, a barcode, a license plate, or what day it is, people with this phobia really dread the number 13.
For those suffering from this phobia, the mere thought of Friday the 13th can cause anxiety and stress. The origins of this superstition and fear of 13 are complex, dating back to ancient times. Some historians believe 13 became feared because Judas, the 13th guest at the Last Supper, betrayed Jesus. For others, the fact that 13 witches traditionally made up a coven led to its unpopularity. Whatever the cause, fear of 13 remains common. According to surveys, nearly half of Americans report some anxiety about the number 13.
There is simply no evidence that the number 13 actually causes bad luck or misfortune. Many tall buildings have 13th floors, and in some cultures, 13 is actually considered a lucky number! People get married on the 13th of the month all the time, play the lottery, and go about their daily lives without anything bad happening just because of the number 13.
Common Sources of Superstition Surrounding 13
A lot of the unluckiness associated with 13 stems from Christianity. Jesus was said to have been crucified on a Friday, the 13th, and there were 13 people at the Last Supper before his crucifixion. This led to Friday the 13th being seen as an unlucky day.
Religious Roots
Some think 13 is unlucky because Judas, the 13th guest at the Last Supper, betrayed Jesus. Others note that there were 13 witches in a coven and 13 steps leading to the gallows. All very spooky associations that have been around for ages. But even if you’re religious, there’s really no reason to believe 13 itself is a bad number. Those are just stories – it doesn’t mean the number itself is unlucky.
Cultural Influences
Popular culture has perpetuated the myth of 13 being unlucky. Many horror movies and books have focused on Friday the 13th, like the famous slasher film franchise. This pop culture phenomenon has helped cement 13 as a “scary” number in our collective consciousness.
All those horror stories and movies are just trying to entertain us; they’re not basing them on anything real. Sure, Friday the 13th makes for a cool movie plot, but there’s no proof at all that the number 13 is bad luck. If I had to guess, it’s just something pop culture made up to scare us and sell more tickets to horror films.
Confirmation Bias
Once you start believing something, like the idea that the number 13 is unlucky, you’ll notice things that seem to prove that belief. So if something bad happens on the 13th, you’ll think, “Ah, yes, it’s because it’s the 13th!” This confirmation bias simply means we look for evidence that goes along with what we already think.
It’s like that rooster that bit you when you were a kid. Whenever you hear the word rooster or see a picture of one, you get scared and nervous. Even if the rooster is across the barn and couldn’t possibly get you, or it’s just a painting of a rooster, you still feel afraid. It’s a perfect example of how confirmation bias works – we see what we want to see, even when it doesn’t make rational sense. Our beliefs start shaping what we notice and pay attention to.
Think of It Like This
The number 13 is simply that – a number. It holds no real power or meaning beyond what we ascribe to it. Many of the associations we have with 13 being ‘unlucky’ stem from old myths, legends, and superstitions that have no basis in reality.
If 13 starts making you feel stressed, just remember – it’s just a number. Numbers themselves don’t control what happens. The idea that 13 is unlucky has been passed down in movies and books over time, but it has no basis in reality.
It’s like having a bad dream about crashing your car. When you wake up, you can tell yourself, “Well, that was just a dream.” You don’t actually have to worry about crashing all day. 13 is the same – it’s just the numbers 1 and 3 put together. Don’t give it a second thought.
Friday The 13th
Friday the 13th is coming up again, and a lot of people get freaked out by that date. Where does that even come from? Yes, you guessed it – movies, books, and superstitions. The next time Friday the 13th rolls around, don’t let it get you down. Do something to prove to yourself how silly this phobia is, like going out with friends, taking a trip, or playing a lottery.
Once you face that fear head on, you’ll realize there was nothing to even be afraid of. In fact, some people meet their soulmate or win the lottery on Friday the 13th! And think about it, if 13 was really unlucky it would represent new beginnings too because everything has two sides, doesn’t it?
Our Final Advice
Remember, it’s just a number. Don’t let it scare you or have control over your life. Surround yourself with good vibes and focus on what really matters instead. When Friday the 13th comes, just laugh it off and go about your business like normal. No need to hide under the covers shaking in your boots over some silly old belief. You’ve got bigger fish to fry than stressing over a number that means nothing. Life’s too short to waste time worrying about “nonsense” like that.
