Friday the 13th - Is This the Most Common Superstition in MN?

Today is one of those days that sometimes happen a few times a year, and people can get all "weird" about the day itself. It's Friday the 13th, and in the year 2024 there are only 2 of those days. The first one is today, Friday, September 13th and the next one will be Friday, December 13th. And the only way this happens is if the month starts on a Sunday.

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Some people don't even think about the day and what could happen on an "unlucky" Friday the 13th. If you are one of those people who think the day is unlucky, and then strange things happen, it may because you manifested it yourself. You think something bad will happen, and you think about it so much that potentially it could happen.

Others don't even think about the day being anything else other than a regular day... nothing special. But overall, Friday the 13th is the most common superstition in Minnesota. There are several others that people think about that are also very common.

Some of those are walking under a ladder or a black cat walking in front of you. Breaking a mirror is also on the list of people being concerned with 7 years of bad luck, and then the ol' knocking on wood after you say something that you don't want to happen.

WHERE DID THESE SUPERSTITIONS ORIGINATE?

Friday the 13th

There are two theories behind this superstition. The first one being the most common.

Some historians believe this superstition can be traced back to Norse mythology. Others believe it might be connected to the Last Supper, which was attended by Jesus and 12 apostles. The next day, Good Friday, was the day Jesus was crucified.

The second theory into Friday the 13th:

There is a 1907 book called "Friday the 13th," written by T.W. Lawson. It's about a stockbroker who attempts to make money by starting a panic on Wall Street.

Walking Under a Ladder

The thought is that the space between the ladder and the wall is the home to good and evil spirits that should not be disturbed.

Breaking a Mirror

Breaking the mirror could break a soul.

Knocking on Wood

Celts worshipped trees and believed they were home to the gods. Touching the wood could provide protection.

What superstitions do you have? Do you avoid cracks in the sidewalk? That one seems to be common more with kids than adults. Any others?

LOOK: How Halloween has changed in the past 100 years

Stacker compiled a list of ways that Halloween has changed over the last 100 years, from how we celebrate it on the day to the costumes we wear trick-or-treating. We’ve included events, inventions, and trends that changed the ways that Halloween was celebrated over time. Many of these traditions were phased out over time. But just like fake blood in a carpet, every bit of Halloween’s history left an impression we can see traces of today.

Gallery Credit: Brit McGinnis