What is the fear of Friday the 13th called?
Friday the 13th is a day that has been shrouded in superstition and fear for centuries. But what is the fear of Friday the 13th called? This phobia is known as “paraskavedekatriaphobia,” a term derived from the Greek words “paraskevi” (Friday), “hekaton” (thirteen), and “phobos” (fear). This condition is characterized by an irrational fear of the number 13 and the day Friday, particularly when they coincide.
The origins of this fear can be traced back to various cultural and historical factors. One of the most common explanations is the biblical story of the Last Supper, where Jesus Christ had 13 guests, including Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. The 13th guest at the table is often seen as a symbol of bad luck and misfortune. Additionally, the number 13 has been associated with other negative events throughout history, such as the 13th century signing of the Magna Carta and the 13th hour of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Another theory suggests that the fear of Friday the 13th is rooted in Norse mythology. According to this belief, the god Odin had 12 sons, making a total of 13 gods. The 13th god, Loki, was considered a trickster and a bringer of chaos, further reinforcing the negative connotations associated with the number 13.
In many cultures, Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day, with people avoiding major activities and making plans for the day before or after. This fear has even influenced the construction industry, with some architects and builders avoiding the use of the number 13 in their designs. In some cases, buildings may have an extra floor or room to skip the number 13 entirely.
The fear of Friday the 13th has also been the subject of numerous movies, books, and other forms of entertainment. The 1980 horror film “Friday the 13th” is one of the most famous examples, featuring a masked killer terrorizing a group of teenagers at Camp Crystal Lake. This film has helped to perpetuate the superstition and make the day even more feared.
Despite the widespread belief in the fear of Friday the 13th, scientific research has not been able to conclusively prove that the day is inherently unlucky. Studies have shown that the number of accidents, injuries, and other negative events on Friday the 13th is no different from any other day of the week.
In conclusion, the fear of Friday the 13th is known as “paraskavedekatriaphobia,” a superstition rooted in various cultural and historical factors. While the fear may be irrational, it continues to influence the lives of many people around the world, leading them to avoid certain activities and make contingency plans for this unlucky day.
