Friday the 13th and a Full Moon!

Why is Friday the 13th so unlucky?

Friday the 13th is widely believed to be the unluckiest of days, with so many people afraid of the day that the fear has its own name; Paraskevidekatriaphobia. Both Friday and the number 13 are believed to be unlucky for a number of reasons. Friday is considered unlucky in several cultures and religions, especially Christianity; Jesus was crucified on a Friday, and Eve tempted Adam with the forbidden fruit on a Friday, and this is the day they both later died. The day is also believed to be cursed in other cultures, such as maritime circles, who believe it is unlucky to set sail on a Friday. The day is also associated with death; known as ‘Hanging Day’, it was tradition to execute criminals by hanging in Britain on Fridays, before the death sentence was abolished.

The number 13 is considered bad luck because it transcends the number of completeness; 12. A clock has 12 hours; a year has 12 months; the zodiac has 12 signs. The number 13 therefore, is seen as one too many. Again, Christians see this number as a bad omen; Jesus had 12 apostles, and Judas, arriving late and becoming the 13th guest, later betrayed Jesus. Loki was also another 13th guest, at the banquet of Norse Gods, who ended up as a betrayer. From these stories derives the belief that if 13 people dine together, the first to rise will be the first to die.

Friday the 13th and the Full Moon

This month however, the day is believed to be doubly unlucky, as it is twinned with the full moon. The moon is believed to affect more than the tides; according to astrologers, it is believed to have an impact on our moods and our behaviour, by influencing the water in our bodies with its gravitational pull. The term lunacy derives from this idea, and it is widely believed that strange behaviour is more common during the full moon than at any other time.
Although many people put these superstitions down to myth, others still believe strongly that they will be unlucky throughout the day, and refuse to even go out of the house. Some people in various professions, such as emergency services, will even refuse to work on this day, as they believe they will encounter nothing but trouble.
However, most people believe that the superstition itself is what brings the bad luck; if you believe you will have a bad day, you most likely will do. It is actually believed by many that you are less likely to come to harm; according to statistics, the roads are quieter, meaning fewer accidents. If you want to make sure that you don’t encounter bad luck today, simply focus on thinking positive and attracting good fortune. Deliberately have a good day, and you will find that you do indeed attract good things. It is also encouraged for people to actually challenge the notion that the day brings bad luck, by doing things that depend on chance, such as gambling. Good luck!