Friday 13th is in full swing, we're walking about minding our own business, not stepping under any ladders, and wondering why us Brits fear the dreaded date. With Friday 13th appearing twice this year (the next one is in November 2020) we decided to investigate why Friday 13th is widely known as a superstitious day...
The history of Friday 13th
The fear of biblical times Friday 13th or_paraskavedekatriaphobia_, as it is named, dates back to biblical times. According to historians, this is the date that Eve ate the apple from the tree of knowledge. It is also the number of people who were present at the last supper and the day after (which was a Friday) was the day Christ was crucified. This triggered the start of the superstition surrounding the date, with certain bad events in history falling on a Friday 13th.
The perks (and how to save money) on Friday 13th
For those of us who aren’t superstitious however, the date has many perks. If you’re planning a wedding on a budget, it may be a good idea to get married on Friday 13th as many believe a marriage would be doomed if it was held on this unpopular date, making the wedding far cheaper.
People also don’t seem to be too keen on flying on this date either meaning if you are prepared to jet away on Friday 13th, you may be able to pick up a cheap flight.
If you do decide to take advantage of these deals, you may be surprised when you reach your hotel. The number 13 is seen as unlucky on its own, meaning many hotels don’t have a 13th floor. Similarly, the number 13 is often skipped when looking at street numbers.
A survey revealed 20% of us believe breaking a mirror will bring bad luck.
In fact, breaking a mirror tops the worry list for those that are superstitious. Those 20% of Brits believe breaking a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck, according to the banks’ House buyers’ Research.
Apparently nearly one in four (39%) of us are so superstitious that we refuse to open an umbrella indoors as well as avoiding stepping on any cracks in the pavement.
However, two thirds (61%) of us do not let superstitions spoil our day – even on Friday the 13th - believing them all to be old wives’ tales. Some even focus on the positive with one of us in six hopeful of finding a four leaf clover to bring about good fortune and a further 12% of us will be hoping a black cat crosses our path.
The research found that those living in the North East of England were the most superstitious where the most commonly held fear was opening an umbrella indoors.
Top superstitions by region in the UK
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North East - To open an umbrella indoors brings bad luck
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London - If you walk under a ladder you will have bad luck
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Midlands - To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck
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Wales - It is unlucky to spill salt and if you do you must throw a pinch of salt over your left shoulder
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North West - To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck
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Scotland - If you walk under a ladder you will have bad luck
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South West - If you find a four-leaf clover you will have good luck
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South East - To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck/If you find a four-leaf clover you will have good luck
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Yorkshire - To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck
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East - To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck
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