How did the folklore of Friday the 13th start?

Fear of Friday the 13th has roots in a Viking myth, ancient Rome, and even the Last Supper. read more

There are a number of popular myths and superstitions surrounding the day, most famously: If you cut your hair on Friday the 13th, someone in your family will die. If a funeral procession passes you on Friday the 13th, you will be the next to die. Do not start a trip on Friday or you will encounter misfortune. read more

The earliest date I've come across is from the rounding up of Templars by King Phillip IV of France on Friday the 13th, 1307. Though I think most believe this to be a more recent retroactive association than an actual source of the folklore. read more

Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day in Western superstition. It occurs when the 13th day of the month in the Gregorian calendar falls on a Friday, which happens at least once every year but can occur up to three times in the same year. In 2017, it occurred twice, on January 13 and October 13. read more