Superstitions, tattoos and origins, explained

Today is Friday the 13th, an event that only occurs a few times a year.

This is the second Friday the 13th in 2024, just two months after the last one in September. It’s also Taylor Swift’s birthday and someone might get particularly lucky with an upcoming Mega Millions drawing on that day. In 2025 there will only be one Friday the 13th in June.

The day has come to be associated with superstition, luck and magic, although it has some surprising origins. The fear surrounding Friday the 13th may have been heightened by the slasher film series, but it likely has religious origins.

Whether you’re carefully stepping over cracks in the sidewalk on Friday or embracing the tradition of discounted tattoos on the spooky day, here’s everything you need to know about Friday the 13th.

See map:Most Popular Superstitions by State

Origin of Friday and the number 13

The exact origin of Friday the 13th may be a mystery in itself, but many agree that it has its roots in Christian stories.

Some associate the number with Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus Christ and was believed to be the 13th guest to appear at the Last Supper, according to History.com.

According to Dr. According to Phil Stevens, a retired anthropology professor at the University at Buffalo and author of the book “Rethinking the Anthropology of Magic,” it is part of the human tendency to engage in “magical thinking and witchcraft: human by nature.”

Other examples of this include a lucky charm or items that increase in value when owned by celebrities.

“So the 13 is associated with this terrible event. And on Friday the 13th you get a double whammy. Both elements come together: the taboo against 13 and the crucifixion that took place on a Friday,” Stevens said in an interview with USA TODAY last year.

Friday the 13th superstition

Here are some common superstitions associated with bad luck on Friday the 13th:

Break a mirror: It is said that breaking a mirror brings bad luck for seven years, so be careful with glass today.
Walking under a ladder: This superstition is based on the idea that stepping below a ladder disturbs the triangle, a symbol of life, and brings misfortune.
Spill salt: Accidental spilling of salt has been considered bad luck for centuries. To counteract this, throw a pinch over your left shoulder to ward off evil.
You cross paths with a black cat: Black cats, often associated with witches and bad omens, are considered bad luck, especially if they cross your path on Friday the 13th.
Step on cracks: The rhyme “Step on a crack, break your mother’s back” is based on the idea that stepping on cracks creates bad energy or damage.

To reverse your fortunes, here are some things you can do to bring good luck:

Carry a lucky charm with you: Articles like four leaf clover, horseshoeor Rabbit feet They are believed to bring good luck and protection from bad vibrations.
Knock on wood: This ancient superstition is believed to prevent bad luck or curses. When you say something hopeful, you are knocking on wood to “seal the deal” and have luck on your side.

Why tattoos are also associated with Friday the 13th

While the superstitious may not want to take a chance on Friday the 13th, those who want to get a tattoo could get a good deal.

On Friday the 13th, many stores offer specials where they charge heavily discounted prices to get the job done, often at a flat rate that is equal to or even lower than the store’s reserve price (the minimum price a store typically charges for a tattoo to cover the costs of basic equipment). and overhead).

The average hourly rate most artists charge is between $100 and $200+, making these flash sales a great deal. While affordable pre-made flash tattoos and flash sales are common throughout the rest of the calendar year, Friday the 13th is the one day you can count on finding tons of discounts at multiple stores near you.

The modern take on Friday the 13th as a tattoo holiday is often attributed to co-owner of Elm Street Tattoo in Dallas, Oliver Peck, who you may recognize from the TV show “Ink Master” and his brief marriage to Kat Von D (later known) left the show after a blackface controversy).

Regarding the Friday the 13th tattoo promotions, Peck previously told Vice that he was “definitely not the first to do it,” saying he was inspired by fellow artist Dave Lum’s Halloween specials inspired, but he “made it an event.” .” His first major Friday the 13th was at the now-defunct Pair O’ Dice in Dallas in 1995, a marathon session in which he tattooed the number “13” on as many people as possible within 24 hours.

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