Friday the 13th occurs at least once a year. Many people are familiar with the day’s reputation for being unlucky, but few know why.

September 13 is the first Friday the 13th of 2024, but not the last.

What makes this day so scary?

Here’s a look:

Why is Friday the 13th an unlucky day?

It is not clear where the superstition originated. Some believe it stems from the Biblical Last Supper, in which the unfortunate 13th guest, Judas, betrays Jesus. Another Biblical belief is that Cain murdered his brother, Abel, on Friday the 13th.

There have also been a number of notable deaths on these dates.

It is believed that more than 100 Templars were tortured and later murdered by King Philip IV of France on Friday, October 13, 1307.

Beloved rapper Tupac Shakur was murdered on Friday, September 13, 1996. Another notable death on Friday the 13th was that of Julia Child in August 2004.

What is it about the number 13?

The number 13 has a particularly notorious status in itself.

Some numerologists believe that the number 13 is considered unlucky because of its relationship to the number 12. Numerologists consider 12 to be a “full” number: 12 months in a year, 12 apostles, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 gods of Olympus, 12 hours on a clock.

According to National Geographic, more than 80 percent of high-rises avoid a 13th floor. Hospitals skip the 13th floor, and many hotels skip a room number 13. Some airports even skip a gate 13.

Donald Dossey, historian and founder of the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, told National Geographic: “It’s estimated that $800 to $900 million (US) is lost in business on this day because people aren’t flying or doing the things they normally would.

But the number 13 is also considered a lucky number by some. For pagans it represents the number of full moons in a year.

How many Friday the 13ths are there?

Friday the 13th can occur in triplicate, but that will not be the case in 2024.

Every year there is at least one Friday the 13th and at most three Friday the 13ths in any calendar year.

In 2024 there will be two: September 13 and December 13.

What if you’re afraid of Friday the 13th?

Many people have araskavedekatriaphobia (also called friggatriskaidekaphobia), or the fear of Friday the 13th.

If you have triskaidekaphobia, or the fear of the number 13, you probably also have araskavedekatriaphobia — the fear of Friday the 13th. Dr. Donald Dossey, a folklore historian, estimates that 17 to 21 million people suffer from triskaidekaphobia.

Some symptoms of the phobia of the number 13 range from anxiety to outright panic attacks. Many people skip school on Friday the 13th.

What else you need to know about Friday the 13th

The “Friday the 13th” film franchise is going strong, despite many people’s fears. Since the first film premiered in 1980, the 12 films in the franchise have grossed more than $380 million worldwide at the box office, according to Box Office Mojo.

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen were born on Friday the 13th in 1986. Other celebrity couples include Steve Buscemi, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kate Walsh and director Alfred Hitchcock.

Chicago Friday the 13th Deals

Musix Box Theater

The Music Box is hosting an eight-film Friday the 13th marathon. More information can be found here.

The Vic Theatre

The Vic Theatre is hosting a special screening on Friday the 13th from 7:30pm. The screening is for those aged 19 and over only. More information can be found here.

Hubbard Inn

The Hubbard Inn is hosting a “Toast the Unfortunate” wristband event in honor of Friday the 13th. More information can be found here.

The Insect Shelter

The Insect Asylum is hosting a flash sale for ‘bad’ henna tattoos this Friday the 13th. More information can be found here.

Gem: A Vintage Collective

The vintage group offers custom chain stitching, custom jewelry, tooth gems, tarot readings and vintage shopping. Details here.

Tattoo shop offers

There are a number of tattoo shops in the Chicago area that are offering discounts in honor of this day.

TATU TATTOO (WICKER PARK)