Scared? Find Out Why These 13 Superstitions Began

The stigma surrounding Friday the 13th goes beyond a simple date; the number 13 in general has been considered unlucky for centuries. In Norse mythology, evil was said to be first introduced into the world, thanks to the appearance of Loki, the god of mischief: when the 12 Norse gods were having dinner in Valhalla, Loki’s appearance as the 13th guest interrupted the balance, which led to turmoil. A more well-known origin story lies once again in Catholicism, as well as a crashed dinner party. Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus, was said to have been the 13th guest to arrive at the Last Supper, giving the number a negative association.

Some mathematicians have also theorized the number earned its unlucky status due to ancient cultures venerating the number 12, with number systems and calendars being based around this so-called “perfect” numeral. But whatever the true origin, some people today are still afraid of anything having to do with 13.