Friday 13th is traditionally known as being unlucky, but does anyone know why?

A number of tragic events have happened on this day throughout history from the death of American hip hop artist Tupac in 1996 to the bombing of Buckingham Palace during the Blitz.

Millions of Brits are believed to fear the day because they worry something bad could happen to them.

There are a number of theories about the origins of Friday 13th and its association with all things unlucky.

Here are a few of them:

  • A lot of people believe it was the crucifixion that initiated the superstition. It was on Friday that Jesus Christ was betrayed and there were 13 people present at the Last Supper.
  • A novel by Thomas W. Lawson in 1907 is another cause for all the hysteria.  He wrote a book called Friday, the Thirteenth, which is about a stockbroker who creates financial panic on the date to take advantage of the outcome.
  •  Others speculate it became a dark day when in 1307 King Philip IV of France ordered the arrest of a Catholic military order, Knights of the Templar.

Research from Casinopedia shows that 35 per cent of Somerset residents believe breaking a mirror is believed to cause the worst luck, 23 per cent think its walking under a ladder and 13 per cent think its placing shoes on the table. 

Most people do not take it too seriously, but there are some who dread the date.

Do you consider Friday the 13th to be an unlucky date? Has anything bad ever happened to you on this day before? Do you have any superstitions to help you avoid bad luck? Add your comments below.