Coverage dated September 12, 2024

The possible origins of Friday the 13th and other unlucky days

Headline from Delaware Public Media

The superstition of Friday the 13th isn’t as old as you think. Here are some of the potential origins of unlucky days around the world.

Delaware Public Media's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

Reports & sources

6 articles, oldest first.

  1. NBC Chicago

    What does Friday the 13th mean and why is it 'unlucky'? Here's what to know about the day (opens NBC Chicago)

    Published

    NBC Chicago's feed description

    Friday the 13th comes around at least once every year, and while many know of its "unlucky" reputation, not many know why.

  2. Fox News

    13 Friday the 13th facts: What to know about the 'unlucky' day (opens Fox News)

    Published

    Fox News's feed description

    Here are 13 facts about Friday the 13th and what has led superstitious people to believe it's an unlucky day, including pop culture and historical moments.

  3. Relevant Magazine

    The Surprisingly Christian Origin of Friday the 13th - RELEVANT (opens Relevant Magazine)

    Published

    Relevant Magazine's feed description

    Most Christians don't really consider themselves superstitious. Only 14 percent of Protestants and 15 percent of Catholics think there's something unlucky

  4. Delaware Public Media

    The possible origins of Friday the 13th and other unlucky days (opens Delaware Public Media)

    Published

    Delaware Public Media's feed description

    The superstition of Friday the 13th isn’t as old as you think. Here are some of the potential origins of unlucky days around the world.

  5. CNN

    Why is Friday the 13th unlucky? The cultural origins of an enduring superstition (opens CNN)

    Published

    CNN's feed description

    When it comes to bad luck, there are few superstitions as pervasive in Western culture as that of Friday the 13th. Here’s why.

  6. Time

    The Origins of Friday the 13th (opens Time)

    Published

    Time's feed description

    How did the most unlucky day of the year receive it's "spooky" reputation?

The possible origins of Friday the 13th and other unlucky days | Since Then