The superstition surrounding Friday the 13th is relatively modern, emerging mainly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The combination of Friday and the number 13 both carried negative associations, but when combined, they gained a reputation for being particularly unlucky!
Friday has been seen as unlucky in many cultures because of its association with the crucifixion of Jesus (believed to have happened on a Friday) and early religious traditions discouraging work or business on Fridays.
The number 13 has long been considered unlucky. In many Western cultures, 12 is seen as a number representing completeness (12 months, 12 apostles, 12 zodiac signs, etc.), and 13 is thought to disrupt this balance. The origins of this negative perception could stem from early religious beliefs, Norse mythology, and numerology.
The combination of these two elements, Friday and the number 13, is thought to have solidified its reputation as an unlucky day by the late 19th century.
Friday 13th - Connection to Women & the Divine Feminine.
Historically, Friday the 13th was linked to the feminine and sacred femininity. In ancient traditions, the number 13 was connected to lunar cycles.
The moon, with its 13 cycles in a year, was historically aligned with the feminine, fertility, and nature’s cycles.
Many early goddess-worshiping cultures viewed the number 13 as a symbol of femininity and rebirth.
Friday was considered sacred to many goddesses, including Freya, the Norse goddess of love, fertility, and war. In some traditions, Friday was known as Freya’s day.
The connection between the divine feminine, fertility, and Friday goes back to ancient times, before patriarchy redefined these associations.
How Can We Honour This Connection?
To honour the connection between Friday the 13th and the divine feminine, we can:
Celebrate cycles: Recognize the lunar and menstrual cycles, and honor feminine energies, nurturing, and intuition.
Reflect and rest: Embrace rituals that focus on self-care, reflection, and meditation.
Practice rituals dedicated to goddesses: Offer prayers or ceremonies to goddesses like Freya, Isis, or other divine feminine figures.
Connect with nature: Engage in rituals that focus on the earth and its cycles, such as gardening, moon bathing, or meditating outdoors.
Embrace creativity and community: Host gatherings for women or sacred circles that celebrate feminine creativity, nurturing, and power.
We are delighted to have introduced “Women Gather” to the studio and online community.
This is a beautiful monthly offering honouring the divine feminine that resides within us all. Taking inspiration from areas such as the lunar cycle, nature and seasonal living.
You can join us for The Hunters Moon Edition on Tuesday 15th October. For more information and booking, just click here.
Or get super snuggly with The Wintering Edition on Tuesday 3rd December. For more information and booking, just click here.
How Patriarchy Changed Friday the 13th.
The shift in perception of Friday the 13th from a day of feminine reverence to one of superstition can be traced back to patriarchal religious movements.
As patriarchal societies emerged, goddess-centric traditions were replaced by male-dominated religious systems, especially with the rise of Christianity. The divine feminine, once celebrated, was suppressed.
The number 13, linked to lunar cycles and femininity, became associated with bad luck. Similarly, Friday’s association with goddesses was rebranded as a day of misfortune.
Why Are Some People Suspicious on Friday the 13th?
The modern superstition surrounding Friday the 13th stems from the historical fear of the number 13 and negative associations with Fridays. Some contributing factors include:
The Last Supper: At Jesus' Last Supper, there were 13 people present, and Judas, who betrayed Jesus, was the 13th guest.
The Templars: On Friday, October 13, 1307, King Philip IV of France ordered the arrest of the Knights Templar, further associating this date with bad luck.
Fear of 13: Known as triskaidekaphobia, fear of the number 13 has deep roots in many cultures.
Who Celebrates Friday the 13th?
In modern times, many people and groups have reclaimed Friday the 13th as a day to celebrate feminine power, creativity, and spirituality:
Wiccans and Pagans: Some modern Pagans and Wiccans view Friday the 13th as a day to honor the Goddess and engage in rituals celebrating femininity and the moon’s cycles.
Feminist groups: Feminist communities may reclaim the day as a symbol of empowerment, emphasizing the historical connection between the number 13, the feminine, and ancient goddess traditions.
Rituals for Friday the 13th.
Here are some rituals that you might like to explore:
Moon rituals: Since the number 13 is linked to lunar cycles, this day is ideal for moon rituals, including intention-setting, cleansing, and meditation.
Goddess invocation: Many people invoke goddesses such as Freya, Artemis, or Hecate in ceremonies or prayers, asking for guidance or protection.
Healing rituals: Engage in self-care practices such as herbal baths, energy work, and meditative rituals to honour your body and spirit.
Group rituals: Gather with others in a sacred circle to honour the collective feminine energy, share stories, blessings, support and love.
Head over to Yoga Borne YouTube to listen to a short mindful meditation practice in honour of Friday 13th.
Happy Friday 13th, friends!