Jackson, WY – Residents of Jackson will notice a familiar headline tomorrow: Friday the 13th. While many treat the date as a light‑hearted curiosity, its roots run deep in folklore, religion and even recent history.
Why the number 13 feels unlucky
Western culture links the number 13 with bad luck. The fear of the number itself is called triskaidekaphobia. When the number combines with Friday, the specific dread is known as paraskavedekatriaphobia or friggatriskaidekaphobia. Both terms describe the uneasy feeling many experience on this date.
Myths and religious stories
One popular theory reaches back to Norse mythology. Historian Donald Dossey explains that twelve gods were invited to a banquet in Valhalla, but the trickster Loki arrived as the thirteenth guest and set off a chain of tragedy. The story paints the thirteenth seat as a harbinger of misfortune.
Christian tradition also contributes to the superstition. The Last Supper hosted thirteen diners, and the crucifixion of Jesus occurred on a Friday. Some early believers interpreted these events as a divine warning against gathering thirteen people at a table.
Friday the 13th in popular culture
The modern image of the day was cemented by Thomas William Lawson’s 1907 novel Friday, the Thirteenth. The book tells of a stockbroker who exploits the superstition to create panic on Wall Street and profit from the chaos.
Four decades later, the 1980 horror film Friday the 13th introduced the world to the hockey‑masked killer Jason Voorhees. The franchise grew to more than ten sequels, reinforcing the day’s eerie reputation.
Historical events that fell on a Friday the 13th
- September 13, 1940 – German bombing of Buckingham Palace.
- November 13, 1970 – A cyclone in Bangladesh claimed an estimated 300,000 lives.
- September 13, 1996 – Rapper Tupac Shakur was shot and later died.
- January 13, 2012 – The Costa Concordia cruise ship ran aground off Italy, killing 30 people.
- March 13, 2020 – President Trump declared a national emergency in response to the COVID‑19 pandemic.
These incidents illustrate that the date has repeatedly intersected with moments of tragedy and significance.
What this means for Jackson residents
While the superstitions are largely symbolic, they remind us of the power of belief and the ways stories shape community identity. Whether you choose to avoid certain activities or simply enjoy the folklore, Friday the 13th offers a chance to reflect on history, culture and the resilience of our town.
Stay safe, enjoy the day, and remember that many of the most memorable moments in history have come from ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
