When it comes to superstitions, Latin America comes to light for a few curious beliefs, which have been shared from generation to generation. That you should not put your bag on the floor because the money runs out, that knocking on wood prevents a misfortune or that if you feel a ringing in your ear it is because they are speaking ill of you, are some of the most famous superstitions in the region.
To this list is added a very particular one, which in fact is shared with North America: the superstitions around the number 13, considered an unlucky number. In fact, to be more precise, as an article in National Geographic, In some Anglo-Saxon cultures, Friday the 13th is seen as an unlucky day.
The origin of this belief dates back to the emergence of Christianity and is associated with various historical events that have taken place in the world. According to the Calendarr Ecuador portal, one of the most important historical episodes related to this superstition is the crucifixion of Christ, being Judas, who betrayed him, the 13th disciple.
Furthermore, according to biblical scriptures, Jesus was crucified the day after the Last Supper, that is, on a Friday, a date that is commemorated during Holy Week.
“Despite the fact that there is no specific historical fact that marks the event as something precise or accurate, Friday the 13th continues to be seen as a negative day that must be irremediably guarded against,” the referenced portal specifies.
In a historical review of the origin of this superstition, National Geographic found and listed other events that have taken place on Friday the 13th and have fueled this popular belief.
According to the article they shared, it was on Friday the 13th of 1307 when the fall of the Templars took place, a military and religious order founded in the Holy Land. On this date they were arrested and presented before the court of the Inquisition to be put on trial by King Felipe IV, this for their alleged actions against Christianity, which is why some were retained and others killed.
“The sinking of the Costa Concordia cruise ship in 2012 off Giglio Island in Italy was on Friday the 13th, with a balance of two people missing, 32 dead and around 4,000 people evacuated,” it adds.
Other coincidences also appeared among the historical count, in which the number 13 and the day before the weekend are remembered for a tragic event. And it was precisely on Friday, November 13, in 2015, when France received one of the first terrorist attacks that took place in Paris.
According to a study of Medical Journalquoted by National Geographic, this superstition has even been considered by researchers in medicine. As a result of this work, it was found that between 1989 and 1992, in a British region, traffic accidents increased by 52% on Friday the 13th.
Undoubtedly, fiction has been responsible for reinforcing this belief and surrounding this date with more elements that instill terror. In this sense, it is worth noting the saga of ‘Friday the 13th’, which was released in 1980 with the protagonist Jason Voorhess. A series of films that have reinforced the superstition of this date, and not only among movie fans.
In any case, whether it is true or not, in some cultures, such as the Ecuadorian, certain recommendations are shared for that date, which go beyond ‘knock on wood’. In accordance with Calendarr, it is better to avoid cleaning or using the broom on that day, nor is it advisable to stand or cross under a ladder, much less is it considered the right day to start a big project.