Here are some interesting facts, statistics, and other oddities about Friday the 13th:
Paraskavedekatriaphobia: It is the fear of Friday the 13th. According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in North Carolina, upwards of 21 million people in the US are impacted by this fear.
The Thirteen Club: An elite group of men in New York City founded in 1882 with the intent to repair the number’s reputation by Captain William Fowler, who fought in 13 Civil War battles. With its membership including other notable figures, like Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, and Theodore Roosevelt, the club met every 13th of the month, at 13 after the hour, in groups of 13. They set out to debunk what they viewed as other irrational fears—like opening an umbrella inside or breaking mirrors—by acting them out at every meeting.
Plane crashes: Plenty of plane crashes have taken place on Friday the 13th. Few have been more horrific than the October 1972 crash of Uruguayan Flight 571.
Lottery: In a study conducted it was found that the number 13 is the unluckiest ball in lottery draws since it was drawn a total of 120 times since 1994. Or maybe that just means it is bound to be a lucky hit soon, but statistically speaking it’s not.
Stock market: According to a study conducted by The Wall Street Journal, stock prices fall on Friday the 13th more often than on any other day.
The Last Supper: According to Christian tradition, there were 13 people present at the Last Supper, and Jesus was crucified on a Friday.
Stock market crashes: The stock market crash of 1929, which led to the Great Depression, occurred on Friday the 13th.
Famous birthdays: Many famous people were born on Friday the 13th, including actors Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, novelist Samuel Beckett, and former President of Cuba Fidel Castro.
Horror movies: The Friday the 13th movie franchise has grossed over $465 million worldwide. However that pales in comparison to the amount of licensed merchandise that the franchise as a whole has raked in since the first movie hit the silver screens in May of 1980.
Weddings: According to a study conducted by The Knot, nearly 3% of couples choose to get married on Friday the 13th.
Car accidents: A study conducted by the British Medical Journal found that there is a significant increase in traffic-related accidents on Friday the 13th.
Natural disasters: According to a study conducted by the Dutch Centre for Insurance Statistics, there are fewer accidents and reports of fire and theft on Friday the 13th. However, there is a significant increase in hospital admissions due to accidents.
Tattoos: A study conducted by the online tattoo marketplace Inkluded found that tattoos booked on Friday the 13th are often cheaper than those booked on other days of the year. So, if you are looking to get inked maybe this Friday is your best bang for the buck, but let us hope there don’t turn out to be any tattoo nightmares.
Have a spooktacular, safe, happy, and fun Friday the 13th everyone!
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