The origins and myths behind Friday the 13th

On Friday, prepare to walk around ladders and away from black cats that may cross your path.

Friday the 13th puts fear in the hearts of many, widely known as the unluckiest day on the Western calendar.

The jinxed date has its origins in more than just popular superstition.

Fridays have been considered unlucky since medieval times — a day once called Hangman’s Day, Connecticut College psychology professor Stuart Vyse told USA Today.

 

 

As for the number 13, many countries besides the United States, such as Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, considered it to be unlucky. 

 

“People look towards (the number) 13 as something negative...in Tarot (cards used for predicting the future or meditation), the 13th card is the death card,” said celebrity numerologist Julian Michael to the Daily News.

Placed together, Friday and 13 are certainly double the trouble for the superstitious.