Is it true that number 13 is a bad luck number?

Answer 1

The number 13 has been considered unlucky for a long time, and by people all over the world. The early Romans thought 13 was a sign of death and destruction. And according to Norse mythology, if you sat 13 people down at a table, that was very unlucky. (Why? At a banquet of 12 people in Valhalla, an intruder -number 13 - caused the death of Balder's son Odin). The number of people at the last supper of Christ and the twelve Apostles confirmed the superstition about the number 13 in withes were believed to meet in "covens" that hat 13 members.

The fear of the number 13 is called triskaidekaphobia. Many hotels have no room 13, and many buildings have no 13th floor. Next time you fly, see if there is a row 13 in the plane. As date, 13 isn't too lucky either, especially when it falls on Friday. That was always thought of as a really bad day to start a new project or to begin a ship voyage. Movers, doctors and dentists say their business drops on Friday the 13th. The good news is that a maximum of three Friday the 13th can occur in a year, and sometimes there is just one.

UselessKnowledge.com, a site we've consulted on previous occasions. It claims the basis for this superstition stems from the events that took place on Friday, October 13, 1307. On that day, the Pope of the Roman Catholic church, in combination with the King of France, sentenced the "the Knights Templar" to death and ordered the torture and crucifixion of their leader.

About.com's urban legend expert agrees that Western culture has considered Friday the 13th particularly unlucky for hundreds of years. The sixth day of the week has often been considered unlucky, as has the number 13. The combination, which occurs one to three times a year, leads to the inevitable superstition.

He goes on to explain several other theories:

Some say the number 13 was purposely vilified by the priests of patriarchal religions because it represented femininity. Thirteen corresponded to the number of lunar (menstrual) cycles in a year, and the number was revered in prehistoric goddess-worshipping cultures.

Hindus believed that it was unlucky for 13 people to gather in one place. This conviction was shared by the ancient Scandinavians.

Many biblical events of negative import supposedly occurred on a Friday, including the ejection of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, the start of the Great Flood, and the crucifixion of Jesus.
Like many legends and superstitions, the origin of Friday the 13th will always be subject to speculation. In the end, we take all the theories with a grain of salt (thrown over our left shoulder, of course).

Answer 2

That's just a myth. My daughter was born on the 13th, has had 2 Friday the 13th birthdays so far and none of them were bad luck. Plus, 13 is supposed to be my lucky number, so I hold the number close to my heart.

Answer 3

No.

"13" represents how many lunar cycles there are in a one year period. It used to represent women, the goddess and fertility.

When the patriarchs took over religion, "13" became unlucky because women were "sinners".

The Church related it to Satan and other nefarious things.

But in medieval culture...think about it...Sleeping Beauty-original tale included 12 good fairies and one bad one...13.

12 Dancing princesses...Litlle Mermaid had 12 sisters...

Any fairy tale with 12 or 13 refers back to that theme.

In pagan circles, a coven must contain 13 people.

So, the number is not unlucky at all.

Answer 4

Personally, I've always had rather good luck on the 13th. It's what your mind decides about all superstitions. You control your destiny.

Answer 5

13 is a very special number that brings good luck. Stupid people fear it.

Answer 6

There really are no "bad luck" numbers, just superstitions.

Answer 7

Superstitions can only hurt you if you believe them.

I find it to be quite a lucky number.

Answer 8

No. Just a myth.

Answer 9

No. It's a myth.

Answer 10

no thats not true