Superstition has been embedded in our culture for years; whether its black cats or spilling salt, we are always trying to avoid an unlucky mishap. Occurring twice this year, Friday the 13th is one of the most superstitious days on the calendar, but why? 

The Origins of Friday the 13th are derived from many traditions. According to the Bible, there were 13 people that attended the last supper, one of which betrayed Jesus and the next day, on a Friday, he was crucified. This created the superstition that sitting at a table with 13 guests is bad luck. Pop culture also has a great effect on the spooky date. The 11 part movie series, Friday the 13th, featuring the infamous serial killer, Jason, has been popularized for decades and has given Friday the 13th a frightening reputation.

Besides the death of Tupac Shakur, the 13th is a day known for having many tragedies happen, such as the cyclone in Bangladesh that killed at least 300,000 people in Nov. of 1970 (according to University -Corporation of Atmospheric Research); the death of Kitty Genovese in March of 1964; and a freak blizzard in Buffalo, New York which rose 22 inches of snow in Oct. of 2006. These are just a few of  many more unusual events that happened on the 13th, but people take extra precaution to avoid harm on the 13th, such as removing the 13th floor to prevent superstitious problems.

On a lighter note, one good thing about Friday the 13th is the amazing tattoo deals.

-Florida Velvet Tattoo and Piercing is offering $20 tattoos with over 100 designs that feature the number 13 and opens at 10 a.m. (1124-2 3rd St. N)

-Old School Electric Tattoos will be inking $13 2 by 3in. black and white tattoos and is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (598 Edgewood Ave. S.)

-Ironclad Tattoo is giving $20 “13th-inspired” tattoos on arms and legs from 12 to 9 p.m. (1321 3rd St. N.)

Tonight, be sure to gaze upon the beautiful Harvest Moon, which is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox. A Harvest Moon hasn’t landed on Friday the 13th since October 2000, giving us an early spook for this upcoming Halloween season.

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