- Friday the 13th, a date widely associated with bad luck, occurs three times in 2026: in February, March, and November.
- The superstition is commonly believed to stem from the Last Supper, where 13 individuals were present on Maundy Thursday, the night before Jesus's crucifixion on Good Friday.
- Another historical origin links the date to King Philip IV of France's arrest of hundreds of Knights Templar on Friday, 13 October 1307.
- The Knights Templar were accused of various offences, often under torture, and many were subsequently burnt at the stake, with their Grand Master, Jacques de Molay, reportedly cursing his persecutors.
- The irrational fear of Friday the 13th is known as paraskevidekatriaphobia, while other cultures, such as Spanish-speaking countries, fear Tuesday the 13th, and Italians fear Friday the 17th.
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Why is Friday the 13th considered unlucky? The history of the superstitious date
