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Shhh! Don’t say aloud – Today is Friday the 13th!
We all are hell-scared of this date, but let us know what makes this day so
We all are hell-scared of this date, but let us know what makes this day so
Published
3 years agoon
By
Arijit Roy
Do you ever get a shiver down your spine when the calendar hits Friday the 13th? Well, you’re not alone! This seemingly innocent date has been wrapped in an air of mystery, superstition, and spine-tingling stories for centuries.
Let’s take a peek behind the curtains of time to uncover the fascinating history and significance of this ominous day.
The Dark Origins: The Knights Templar Massacre
Our journey begins in the 14th century with the Knights Templar, a powerful and secretive medieval order, who protected European travellers visiting the Holy Land. On Friday, October 13th, 1307, King Philip IV of France ordered the arrest and subsequent massacre of these knights. This historical event, shrouded in conspiracy and intrigue, marked Friday the 13th as a day of ill fate and misfortune.
Superstitions Galore: The Ominous Aura of Friday the 13th
Over the centuries, this day gained a reputation as a harbinger of bad luck. Many people developed a fear of Friday the 13th, a condition known as friggatriskaidekaphobia, stemming from Norse mythology (Frigg being the Norse goddess for whom Friday is named and triskaidekaphobia meaning fear of the number 13). Superstitions abound, with some avoiding travel, important decisions, or even leaving their homes on this ominous day.

From Pen to Screen: Friday the 13th in Pop Culture
Fast forward to modern times, Friday the 13th has become a staple in horror literature and cinema. Countless books, movies, and TV shows have capitalised on the fear associated with this date, creating iconic villains and spine-chilling scenarios.
Jason Voorhees, the hockey-masked killer from the “Friday the 13th” film series, has become a symbol of terror, making every Friday the 13th a thrilling experience for horror enthusiasts.
Fun Fact: A Common Phobia
Believe it or not, fear of Friday the 13th is so widespread that it has its own phobia name: paraskevidekatriaphobia.
Some people are genuinely anxious on this day, avoiding black cats, ladders, and broken mirrors as if they were navigating a minefield. Others, however, embrace the superstition, turning it into a day of spooky fun and playful scares.
Beware folks!
So, the next time Friday the 13th rolls around, whether you’re huddled under a blanket watching horror movies or boldly facing the day, remember the Knights Templar, the superstitions, and the creepy tales that have woven this date into the fabric of our fears.
Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or a skeptic, one thing’s for sure – Friday the 13th will continue to mystify and intrigue us, keeping the spirit of the unknown alive and thriving. Happy haunting!

Senior Correspondent at the Apeejay Newsroom, Arijit has written more than a thousand articles across varied genres and also shot video interviews and live coverages with the highest viewership, displaying his versatility and skill. Be it a special achievement article, feedback from a parent, high profile alumnus interview or a featured write up on culture, literature and sports, he is the go to person. His initiatives like Aspiring Artist, Promising Poet and Book reviews have earned him special place in the hearts of all students and readers. Arijit initiated video interviews with a wholesome campaign on the 2022 FIFA World Cup, consisting of 16 match review articles and 3 video interviews of budding football players and enthusiasts across various Apeejay schools in Delhi. He also did the live coverage of Apeejay Noida's mega event Runathon 2023 and also many other special interviews. All his videos created new benchmarks for views, especially the latter crossing 2k views in just days. A performing poet, short story writer and football player in the other half of the day, Arijit leads a colourful and passionate life. You can watch his performances at his YouTube channel- Arijit Roy Poems, and also read his poems and short stories at his blog with the same name. He can be reached at [email protected] and [email protected]