The Superstitious Origins of Friday the 13th
As Friday the 13th approaches, our motoring editor is here to answer your questions on the notorious superstitious number and date. Historians offer different theories regarding the origin of 13 as an unlucky number. One argument suggests that it relates to the fact that, at the Last Supper, there were 13 attendees, with the 13th being Judas, the infamous betrayer of Jesus. This association has instilled fear in many, leading to the development of triskaidekaphobia.
Triskaidekaphobia, an irrational or disproportionate fear of the number 13, is a well-known phenomenon. However, there is another fear specifically attributed to Friday the 13th. Friggatriskaidekaphobia, originating from Norse mythology, is related to the fear of this specific date. In Greek, it is called Paraskevidekatriaphobia, referring to a fear of Friday the 13th as well.
Why Does Friday the 13th Instill Fear?
The fear of Friday the 13th can be traced back to various beliefs and events throughout history. One theory suggests that it is connected to the Last Supper, where 13 individuals were present, and the subsequent betrayal of Jesus by Judas, which eventually led to his crucifixion on a Friday.
Numerologists propose a different explanation based on the significance of the number 12. The number 12 is often seen as a “complete” number, representing various concepts like Zodiac signs, months in the year, and hours of the day. The addition of one more, disrupting this completeness, could potentially trigger superstitions and fears.
The Impact of Fear on Sales
Interestingly, the fear of the number 13 has influenced certain industries. For example, many airlines, including Ryanair, Air France, and KLM, choose to skip row 13 on their planes. Similarly, some hotels avoid having a 13th floor and jump directly from 12 to 14.
There have also been claims that residential addresses featuring the number 13 sell for lower prices compared to others. This fear has indirectly affected car sales as well.
The Unlucky Numberplate Dilemma
In 2013, the Irish government made changes to the number plate system to alleviate pressures on car dealerships and evenly distribute demand throughout the year. The introduction of a second registration period in July meant that cars registered between January and June had a ‘131’ registration, while those from July to December had a ‘132’ registration.
The motive behind this change was not purely logistical. The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) had been urging the government to make this alteration for years due to concerns about superstitions surrounding the number 13. There was a genuine worry that the association with bad luck or difficulty in reselling would deter potential buyers and further impact an already declining car market. Even with the revised number plate system, car sales still fell by 6.5% in 2013.
So, as Friday the 13th approaches, it’s worth reflecting on the peculiarities of this superstitious date. While its exact origins may remain a mystery, its impact on various aspects of society, from aviation to car sales, is undeniable.
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